Species Profile
Long-eared Owl
Asio otus
Long-eared Owl
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
10–15 years
Length
35–40 cm
Weight
220–435 g
Wingspan
90–100 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
Also known as: Northern Long-eared Owl
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Appearance
The Long-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl with distinctive, elongated ear tufts that give it its name. These tufts are visible when alarmed but usually flattened and cannot be seen in flight.
Its plumage is a mottled mix of brown and buff, with darker streaks on the breast and belly, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
Both sexes have large orange eyes set in a buff facial disc. Females are generally darker and larger than males. Their plumage is more colourful, with more marked contrast between the streaky shades of darker brown and richer buff-orange.
Juveniles resemble adults but have a paler, less defined facial disc and shorter ear tufts and their bodies are mottled with grey and buff rather than the browner tones seen in adult birds.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Grey
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Long-eared Owls inhabit a wide range across North America, Europe, and Asia. They prefer dense woodlands or coniferous forests adjacent to open areas for hunting. In the breeding season, they favour edge habitats between forests and grasslands or agricultural fields.
In North America, they are found across much of the United States and southern Canada. In Europe, they are widespread, including in the UK, where they are both resident and winter visitors.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Diet
Long-eared Owls primarily feed on small mammals, particularly voles and mice. They also consume small birds, insects, and occasionally bats.
These owls hunt by flying low over open fields and grasslands, using their acute hearing to detect prey movements in the vegetation below.
Behaviour
Long-eared Owls are primarily nocturnal, roosting in dense foliage during the day. They hunt by flying low over open areas, using their exceptional hearing to locate prey.
These owls are generally solitary but may form communal roosts outside the breeding season, sometimes gathering in groups of up to 100 individuals.
Calls & Sounds
The Long-eared Owl's primary call is a low, drawn-out 'hoo', repeated at intervals of several seconds. During the breeding season, males may produce a series of 'whoop' sounds, resembling a muffled dog bark. When alarmed, they emit a barking 'wack-wack' call. Young owls make a high-pitched squeaking sound when begging for food.
Nesting & Breeding
Long-eared Owls typically breed between February and July, with timing varying by location. Males perform aerial displays and offer food to potential mates during courtship. These owls do not build their own nests but instead use abandoned nests of other birds, particularly crows and magpies.
Females lay 3-6 white, oval eggs in these adopted nests. The eggs are incubated primarily by the female for about 25-30 days while the male provides food.
Chicks fledge at around 35 days old but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks, often hiding in nearby trees and begging for food.
Conservation
While listed as Least Concern globally, Long-eared Owl populations face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural intensification. Conservation efforts focus on preserving suitable woodland habitats and maintaining adjacent open areas for hunting.
Elevation
Up to 2,750 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators of Long-eared Owls include larger owl species such as Great Horned Owls, as well as hawks, falcons, and occasionally mammals like foxes and raccoons.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Long-eared Owls in dense coniferous or mixed woodlands adjacent to open areas.
- Listen for their low, repeated 'hoo' calls at night, especially during the breeding season.
- Search for pellets and whitewash beneath potential roosting sites.
- In the UK and parts of the US, check known communal roost sites during winter months.
Did You Know?
- Long-eared Owls can rotate their heads up to 270 degrees, allowing them to see behind them without moving their bodies.
- Their ear tufts are not actually ears but feathers used for camouflage and communication.
- These owls can catch prey in complete darkness using only their hearing.
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