long eared owl

1. Bird Name: The bird featured in this article is typically known as the Long-eared Owl. Its scientific or Latin name is “Asio otus”.

2. Appearance: The Long-eared Owl sports a charming pair of black eyes, nestled in facial disks of pale orange with dark brown border. The plumage is a mix of hues such as greyish, brown, and white which resembles tree bark, aiding its camouflaging abilities. Its namesake, the elongated feather tufts or “ears,” are brownish-black and give it a captivatingly distinctive appearance. Its sharp, hooked beak is typically hidden by feathers. While genders look similar, female Long-eared Owls are slightly larger and darker.

3. Size: Adult Long-eared Owls weigh between 220 and 435 grams (7.8 – 15.3 oz), with an average height of 35 cm or 13.7 inches. They boast a wingspan of 86 – 100 cm or 34-40 inches, ensuring agile flights.

4. Habitat & Distribution: Residents of North America, Europe, and Asia, Long-eared Owls inhabit a range of environments such as forest edges, open woodlands, and well-treed riparian corridors. They are extremely adaptable to human-made habitats like orchards, parklands and even cemeteries.

5. Interesting Facts: Uniquely, Long-eared Owls are known for their remarkable winter roosting behavior, where they gather in communal roosts of dozen or more birds. Also, despite their small size, they are fierce and are known to drive away intruders, even larger birds of prey. Furthermore, their scientific name “Asio otus” roughly translates from Greek as “eared owl,” underscoring their most distinct feature.

6. Diet: The Long-eared Owl predominantly preys on small mammals, especially rodents like mice and voles. They sometimes also feed on small birds, reptiles, and insects.

7. Behavior & Sounds: Regarded as a nocturnal species, Long-eared Owls perform a “sky-walking” display flight during mating season. Their calls are described as very soft, deep “whoop” notes, and single or series of soft hoot sounds.

8. Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Long-eared Owl is classified as a species of “least concern.” This status reflects their large, widespread population.

9. Lifespan: On average, a Long-eared Owl can live up to 10 – 15 years in the wild. In captivity, with good care, they can exceed 27 years.

10. Additional Notes: In other languages, this owl is often named for its distinctive “ears.” For example, it is called “Hornuggla” in Swedish, which means horned owl. Although they are generally reclusive around humans, they’ve been known to nest surprisingly close to houses or human activity. In ecosystems, Long-eared Owls play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations.

The Long-eared Owl is a fascinating bird species whose namesake elongated feather tufts coupled with its formidable hunting ability and adaptability capture the imagination of bird enthusiasts and researchers alike. Its conservation status as of “least concern” is a positive testament to its ability to thrive across multiple continents. Whether flying through the darkening skies or roosting on tree branches, it continues to be a delight for bird watchers.