Short-eared Owl

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Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owls are found throughout both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres between the latitudes of 40 and 70 degrees, in the southern half of South America, at the north end of the Andes Mountain range, and on many islands, including the Galapagos, Hawaii, and West Indies. In North America they occur in fresh and saltwater marshes, bogs, prairies and grasslands, and open woodlands from the Arctic to the northern United States. Northern populations migrate, and in winter Short-eared Owls are found as far south as southern Mexico. In many areas of their range populations are declining because of habitat loss.
Short-eared Owl Range Map

The most diurnal of owls, they may be seen at any time of day, but are especially active from late afternoon until dark, or at dawn. They hunt during daylight hours more often when Northern Harriers, hawks which use the same prey, are absent, and during winter or when they are feeding young. They will also hunt at night. The characteristic buoyant flight style of the Short-eared Owl is distinctive, and is often described as moth-like. They can be confused with Harriers as they fly low over open country watching and listening for prey, but fly with flat wings rather than the "V" of the Harrier. Most of their prey is mammalian, and up to 95% may be voles. Small birds are also captured.

Males perform a spectacular courtship display, flying upward in a spiral and then rapidly clapping their wings together below the body, making a snapping sound. Wingclaps are also used when defending territorial boundaries, and in aggressive displays to other owls, or to humans. Courtship begins as early as late February, although later in higher latitudes. The female incubates the eggs and is usually fed by the male. Clutch sizes are larger when food is abundant. The hatchlings leave the nest but stay in the immediate area to be fed by their parents. They begin to fly after 24 to 27 days, but are dependent on their parents for about seven weeks.

In winter they tend to be gregarious and form communal roosts, which may be quite large. Roosts may be on open ground or, when the weather is more severe, in sheltered areas, such as old quarries or groves of evergreen trees. As many as a hundred owls may roost together in areas where food is abundant.

Description: Short-eared Owls are medium sized owls with long rounded wings. The wings show dark "wrist" patches on both the upper and lower surfaces. The wingtips are dark brown and between the wing tips and the wrist patch is a bright buffy area. Upperparts are brown to buff with heavy, blurred streaking. The facial disk is circular and whitish, with darker areas around lemon-yellow eyes. The ear tufts arise from the facial discs over the eyes. The underside is whitish streaked with brown. Females and young birds are usually darker and buffier.

Short-eared Owls construct nests, although very rudimentary ones, and thus are unique among the owl family. Other owls typically usurp the nests of hawks or crows, or nest in holes. Female Short-eared Owls make a nest by lining a scrape in the ground with a few leaves, feathers, or bits of grass.

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