Long-eared Owl
Least ConcernAsio otus
Visual Identification
Long-eared Owl
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.
Size
Length
35cm to 40cm
Wingspan
90cm to 100cm
Weight
220g to 435g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Buff
Secondary Colour
White Black
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,750 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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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.
Vocalisation
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.
Lifespan
years
The Long-eared Owl typically lives for 10 to 15 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Northern Long-eared Owl
Family:
StrigidaePredators
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.
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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References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Asio otus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22689507A201150685.
View source - 3
report, 2020: Partners in Flight