short eared owl
1. Bird Name
The bird under discussion is known as the Short-Eared Owl in English. Its scientific (Latin) name is Asio flammeus.
2. Appearance
The Short-Eared Owl is an interesting bird species with an attractive appearance. The primary colors of its plumage are brown, tan, and white. The bird, as you may have guessed from its name, has short ear tufts that are often hard to see, hence, looks as if it doesn’t have any ears. It has yellow eyes with a black outer ring that stands out in stark contrast against its light facial disc. Its beak is short but sharply hooked, perfect for its predatory lifestyle. Notably, there isn’t any significant difference in the appearance of males and females in this species.
3. Size
Adult short-eared owls typically measure between 34 to 43 cm (13 to 17 inches) in length. They feature a wingspan that averages between 85 and 110 cm (33 to 43 inches), perfect for soaring over their preferred open habitats. The weight of these birds typically ranges from 206 to 475 grams.
4. Habitat & Distribution
This particular owl species has an extremely wide range extending across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and even some Pacific Islands. They can also be found in the Arctic tundra. It is a highly adaptable bird, found residing in environments including grasslands, marshes, savannas, and other open areas.
5. Interesting Facts
An interesting fact about the Short-Eared Owl is it likes to nest on the ground, a strategy unusual among owl species. Unlike many other owl species that are strictly nocturnal, short-eared owls can often be seen hunting during daylight hours, especially in the early morning or late evening. Culturally, many Native American tribes regard owls as symbols of death or desolation due to their nocturnal nature and haunting calls, and this perception extends to the short-eared owl as well.
6. Diet
Short-Eared Owls are renowned for their voracious hunting skills. They primarily feed on small mammals including voles, mice, and shrews, but will also make use of small birds and insects when presented with the opportunity.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Notably, Short-Eared Owls display a flapping flight style which is typically interspersed with glides. Their calls feature a variety of barks, squeals, and whistles, but a common example is a short, dog like “bark”.
8. Conservation Status
Currently, the Asio Flammeus is listed as ‘Least Concern’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), however, their numbers are decreasing due to various factors such as habitat loss.
9. Lifespan
In the wild, Short-Eared Owls have an average lifespan of around 4 to 5 years, although, with safer conditions and a steady food supply, they can potentially live up to 10 years. In captive conditions, their lifespan can extend to 15 years or more due to the absence of natural predators.
10. Additional Notes
Locally, because of its wide range, the Asio flammeus has numerous names. For instance, it’s known as ‘Suúlõq’ in the Greenlandic language. Concerning human interaction, these owls are generally not averse to human habitats and may often be seen hunting over airports, agricultural fields, and other altered landscapes. They play a significant role in the ecosystem, controlling the population of rodents and other small mammals.
