Short-eared Owl
A species of Eared Owls, Also known as Prairie Owl, Bog Owl Scientific name : Asio flammeus Genus : Eared Owls
Short-eared Owl, A species of Eared Owls
Also known as:
Prairie Owl, Bog Owl
Botanical name: Asio flammeus
Genus: Eared Owls
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Description People often ask General Info
Description
The short-eared owl is a medium-sized owl measuring 34–43 cm (13–17 in) in length and weighing 206–475 g (7.3–16.8 oz). It has large eyes, a big head, a short neck, and broad wings. Its bill is short, strong, hooked and black. Its plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. Its flight is characteristically floppy due to its irregular wingbeats. The short-eared owl may also be described as "moth or bat-like" in flight. Wingspans range from 85 to 110 cm (33 to 43 in). Females are slightly larger than males. The yellow-orange eyes of A. flammeus are exaggerated by black rings encircling each eye, giving the appearance of them wearing mascara, and large, whitish disks of plumage surrounding the eyes like a mask. 
Size
33 - 43 cm
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Life Expectancy
28 years
Nest Placement
Ground
Clutch Size
1 - 11 eggs
Incubation Period
1 - 2 broods
Number of Broods
21 - 37 days
Nestling Period
12 - 18 days
Feeding Habits
Short-eared Owl's diet primarily consists of small mammals, with a preference for mice and voles. They also consume shrews, moles, and various other mammals, as well as birds, including terns, gulls, and songbirds. In specific locales, insects like grasshoppers and beetles supplement their diet. Prey is typically decapitated, eviscerated, or de-winged before consumption.
Habitat
Short-eared Owl predominantly inhabits open landscapes such as grasslands, marshes, tundra, and dunes. These birds prefer areas with low vegetation, including prairies, coastal grasslands, heathlands, and savannas. They adapt to various altitudes and climates, favoring environments that provide ample hunting opportunities. During winter, short-eared Owl frequents similar habitats but may also be found in partially wooded areas, agricultural fields, and even urban outskirts like dumps and gravel pits. Seasonal abundance of prey can prompt winter habitats to transition into breeding grounds.
Nest Behavior
Short-eared Owl constructs its own nest, with the timing coinciding with local conditions. Egg laying is variable, and the incubating female, well-concealed by vegetation, receives minimal assistance from the male.
Nest Characteristics
Short-eared Owl's nest is a ground-based bowl-shaped depression, often on knolls or ridges, around 10 inches across and 2 inches tall. It's lined with grasses and feathers, and sometimes built over a previous year's nest.
Dite type
Carnivorous
People often ask
General Info
Behavior
Short-eared Owl exhibit notable adaptability in their daily activities, actively hunting by both day and night during breeding seasons, and preferring dimmer conditions in winter. They predominantly hunt in flight, employing their agility to snatch prey or elude predators, and are known to soar akin to hawks while migrating. Habitat-wise, short-eared Owl roost on the ground amidst tall grasses when breeding and may shift to arboreal roosts in colder months. They engage in aerial territorial disputes with remarkable showmanship, even interlocking talons in flight. Breeding behavior of short-eared Owl includes loose colonial nesting, generally forming seasonal monogamous pairs, with males contributing significantly to courtship, feeding, and nest protection.
Species Status
It is listed as declining in the southern portion of its US range. It is common in the northern portion of its breeding range. It is listed as endangered in New Mexico. Its appearance at the Calverton Executive Airpark on Long Island has prompted the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to take the lead on ruling whether a massive redevelopment of the airport will receive the necessary environmental permits.
Scientific Classification
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