Short-eared Owl
ExploreBirds
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
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Grass OwlMarsh Owl
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
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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