Short-eared owl – Asio flammeus
“The diurnal owl with mammalian-like ear tufts”
The short-eared owl is a medium sized bird with a pale body and black banded wings. The males and females can be distinguished by their size. The markings between both sexes are the same, however, females are usually larger and may appear darker. The short-eared owl is named for its ear-like tufts of hair on its head, however, these “ears” are actually rather inconspicuous, and hard to see. Their more notable features are their bright yellow eyes that are ringed in black and their white lined facial disk. The short-eared owl can be seen flying low to the ground, and is often compared to a moth due to its buoyant and floppy flight pattern.
The short-eared owl is one of the most widespread owl species. They can be found in every continent except Australia and Antarctica. They are most commonly spotted in open areas like grasslands, roosting low to the ground. They typically occupy any open area that has a healthy rodent population like prairies, tundras, and marshes.
The short-eared owl’s diet consists of a variety of small mammals and other birds, with the majority of their diet being rodents. This species of owl has been known to adapt their diet based on their geographic location. For example, coastal owls consume more shorebirds while inland owls prey on mostly small mammals and rodents. Short-eared owls are one of the few owl species that hunt both during the day, and at night.
Short-eared owls breed once a year in the spring, typically from March to June with peak breeding occurring in April. Multiple clutches per year have been recorded but are rare.
Short-eared owls are one of the few owl species that nest on the ground. Females will construct a roughly 10’’ bowl shaped depression lined with grass and feathers to lay her eggs in. Short-eared owls have also been known to nest in the same location multiple years in a row, sometimes constructing their new nests on top of their nest from a previous year. Additionally, the short-eared owl has been known to nest in reclaimed strip mines, making it the only bird species to have benefited from strip mining.
US Conservation Status:
Considered a species of “least concern” globally, but their population is decreasing in certain states, especially in the south. The National Audubon Society has listed this species as “Climate-Endangered” due to its sensitivity to habitat loss.
(Population = 600,000 in the US and 3,000,000 worldwide)
Tennessee Conservation Status:
The short-eared owl is common migrant and winter resident of west and middle Tennessee
IUCN Status: Least Concern
North American distribution of the Short-eared Owl (courtesy of Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
Short-eared owls aren’t particularly vocal, but their most common call is a series of hoots from males during breeding season. When defending their nests, both males and females may bark, scream, or whine.
Photo Credit:
1 – Andrew Sproule
2 – Ben Queenborough
3- Stephen Sprinz