Short-eared Owl
ExploreBird
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeus
The Short-eared Owl is a small, round owl that loves to hunt in open fields at dusk and dawn! It has beautiful golden-brown feathers that help it blend in.
Habitat: Grasslands and marshes
Appearance
The Short-eared Owl has streaky brown and buff plumage with a pale underside, bright yellow eyes, and subtle, tiny ear tufts. Its long, slender wings and buoyant flight make it look distinct from other owls when hunting low over open fields.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderStrigiformesFamilyStrigidaeGenusAsio
Category
BirdRarity
Common
Danger
2/5
Snaps
1
Interesting facts
Short-eared Owls make their nests right on the ground, hidden in thick grass!
Sometimes, many owls gather in large groups, called 'parliaments,' especially in winter!
Their actual ears are hidden, and the 'short ears' are just tiny feather tufts!
These owls often hunt during the daytime, unlike many other owl species!
Special abilities
Ability
Silent Hunter Wings
Short-eared Owls have specialized fringed feathers that help them fly almost silently, allowing them to surprise prey.
Ability
Super Hearing Ears
They possess asymmetrical ear openings, helping them pinpoint the exact location of prey even under dense cover.
Ability
Low-Light Vision
Their large, forward-facing yellow eyes are packed with rod cells, giving them incredible vision for hunting at dawn and dusk.
Ability
Head Swivel
Short-eared Owls can rotate their heads up to 270 degrees, giving them a wide field of view without moving.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 34-43 cm
- Wingspan
- 90-110 cm
- Weight
- 0.2-0.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 4-7 years
- Top Speed
- 60 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 4-7
- Incubation
- 24-29 days
- Migration Distance
- 4000 km
Diet & Feeding
They are fierce hunters that mainly eat small rodents, helping to control their populations.
Primary Foods
- Voles
- Mice
- Shrews
- Small Birds
- Large Insects
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
hunts
Meadow Vole
Microtus pennsylvanicus
primary prey species
hunts
Masked Shrew
Sorex cinereus
eats small mammals
eaten by
Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes
preys on nests and young
shelters
Saltmarsh Cordgrass
Spartina patens
nests hidden in marsh grass
Traits
Wildlife
Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!
Feathered
These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.
Social
Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.
Aerial
Discover amazing creatures that spend much of their lives soaring high above the ground, often using wings to fly! They might hunt, travel, or even sleep up in the sky.
Grassland
These wide-open spaces are covered in grasses, often home to grazing animals and incredible predators! Experience the vastness of the plains.
Forest
These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.
Carnivorous
Discover fierce hunters and clever predators that get all their energy from eating other animals. They play a vital role in keeping nature's balance.
Nocturnal
Explore the secret world of animals that come alive at night! They are wide awake when it's dark, using their amazing senses to find food and play.
Also known as
Grass OwlMarsh Owl
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5
Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Short-eared Owl?
34-43 cm
What is Short-eared Owl's wingspan?
90-110 cm
How much does Short-eared Owl weigh?
0.2-0.5 kg
How long does Short-eared Owl live?
4-7 years
How fast can Short-eared Owl move?
60 km/h
What does Short-eared Owl eat?
They are fierce hunters that mainly eat small rodents, helping to control their populations.
Where is Short-eared Owl usually found?
Grasslands and marshes
How does Short-eared Owl hunt?
Pursuit
Snap Map
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