Species Profile

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

Quick Facts

Conservation

LCLeast Concern

Lifespan

7–15 years^[4]

Length

34–43 cm

Weight

206–475 g

Wingspan

85–110 cm

Migration

Partial migrant

Unlike most owls, this medium sized bird is often seen hunting during daylight hours, mainly around dawn and dusk and particularly across farmland and in grassland, marsh and moorland areas.

Also known as: Marsh Owl, Grass Owl

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Gallery

Appearance

The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl with a rounded head and small ear tufts. Its plumage is mottled brown and buff, with streaking on the breast. The wings are broad and rounded, with distinctive black wrist marks visible in flight.

Both sexes are similar in appearance, with females slightly larger. The bill is short and thin, black in colour and hooked. Its feet are black with a yellow sole.

Juveniles resemble adults but may have a darker facial disk and more uniform wing colouration.

Identification & Characteristics

Colors

Primary: Brown
Secondary: White
Beak: Black
Legs: Black

Attributes

Agility85/100

Strength60/100

Adaptability90/100

Aggression65/100

Endurance80/100

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

Short-eared Owls inhabit open landscapes worldwide, including grasslands, marshes, tundra, and agricultural areas. They are found across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.

In the UK, they breed in Scotland and northern England, with winter visitors across the country. In North America, they breed in Canada and northern U.S. states, wintering further south.

Distribution

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Where to See This Bird

Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.

East Riding of Yorkshire

ResidentYear-round

Stockton-on-Tees

ResidentJan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec

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Diet

Short-eared Owls primarily feed on small mammals, especially voles and mice. They hunt by flying low over open areas, using their keen hearing to locate prey.

During prey shortages, they may also consume small birds, insects, and amphibians.

Behaviour

Short-eared Owls are known for their low, wavering flight over open areas while hunting. They are more diurnal than most owls, often active during daylight hours, especially at dawn and dusk.

These owls are generally solitary but may form loose communal roosts in winter.

Calls & Sounds

Short-eared Owls are generally quiet outside the breeding season. During courtship and territorial disputes, males produce a series of rapid, hollow hoots, described as 'voo-hoo-hoo'.

When alarmed, they may emit a barking 'keee-ow' call. Females and young make raspy hissing sounds when begging for food.

Nesting & Breeding

Short-eared Owls typically breed between March and June, depending on location. Males perform aerial displays to attract mates, including wing-clapping and calling.

Nests are simple scrapes on the ground, often concealed by tall grass or low shrubs. Females lay 4-7 creamy-white eggs, which are incubated for about 24-29 days.

Both parents care for the young, which fledge at around 14-17 days old, but remain dependent on adults for several weeks.

Conservation

While listed as Least Concern globally, Short-eared Owl populations are declining in many areas due to habitat loss and degradation.

Conservation efforts focus on preserving grasslands and managing agricultural practices to maintain suitable hunting and nesting grounds.

LCLeast Concern

^[1]

Population

Estimated: 1,210,000 - 2,030,000 mature individuals^[3]

Trend: Decreasing^[2]

Elevation

Sea level to 4,300 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: Main predators include larger raptors such as Great Horned Owls, eagles, and Northern Goshawks. Ground predators like foxes and coyotes may also prey on nests and fledglings.

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Short-eared Owls in open grasslands, marshes, and tundra
Watch for their distinctive moth-like flight pattern during hunting - Its stiff wings beat a slow rhythm, and it tends to glide as it banks and circles across its hunting grounds.
Listen for their barking 'kee-ow' call, especially during the breeding season
In the UK and North America, scan suitable habitats during the late afternoon and early evening

Did You Know?

Short-eared Owls are one of the most widely distributed owl species in the world.
They are capable of crossing large bodies of water during migration.
Unlike many owls, Short-eared Owls often hunt during daylight hours.