The Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) is a species of typical owl (family
Strigidae). Owls belonging to genus Asio are known as the
eared owls, as they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. Asio
flammeus will display its tufts when in a defensive pose. However, its very short tufts are usually not visible. The
Short-eared Owl is found in open country and grasslands.
Appearance
Asio flammeus, the Short-eared Owl, is a medium-sized owl averaging 34–43 cm (13 to 17 inches) in length and weighing
206–475 grams (11 to 13 ounces). It has large eyes, big heads, short necks, 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 (Alsop
2001). Wingspans range from 85 to 103 cm (38 to 44 inches). Females are slightly larger than males. The yellow-orange eyes of
A. flammeus are exaggerated by black rings encircling each eye, and large, whitish disks of plumage surrounding the eyes
like a mask.
Geographic range
The Short-eared Owl occurs on all continents except Antarctica and Australia; thus it has one of the largest distributions of any bird. A. flammeus breeds in
Europe, Asia, North and
South America, the Caribbean, Hawaii and the Galápagos Islands. It is partially migratory, moving south in winter from the northern parts of its range. The Short-eared Owl is known to
relocate to areas of higher rodent populations (Ehrlich 1988). It will also wander nomadically in search of better food supplies
during years when vole populations are low. See a map of the
Short-eared Owl's distribution across the New World.
Nesting and reproduction
The Short-eared Owl nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna, or meadow habitats.
Nests are concealed by low vegetation, and may be lightly lined by weeds, grass, or feathers (Ehrlich 1988). Approximately 4 to 7
white eggs are found in a typical clutch, but clutch size can reach up to a dozen eggs in years
when voles are abundant. There is one brood per year. The eggs are
incubated mostly by the female for 21–37 days. Offspring fledge at a little over four weeks. This
owl is known to lure predators away from its nest by appearing to have a crippled wing (Alsop 2001).
Breeding
Sexual maturity is attained at one year. Breeding season in the northern hemisphere lasts from March to June, peaking in
April. During this time these owls may gather in flocks. During breeding season, the males make great spectacles of themselves in
flight to attract females. The male swoops down over the nest flapping its wings in a courtship display (Ehrlich 1988). These
owls are generally monogamous.
Diet and foraging habits
Hunting occurs mostly at night, but this owl is diurnal and crepuscular as well as nocturnal. It tends to fly only feet above the
ground in open fields and grasslands until swooping down upon its prey feet-first (Alsop 2001). Several owls may hunt over the
same open area (Kaufman 2000). Its food consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals and some large insects (Ehrlich 1988). Sometimes it even tends to eat smaller birds. 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.[1]
Calls
Short-eared Owls have a scratchy bark-like call. Raspy waowk, waowk, waowk or toot-toot-toot-toot-toot sounds
are common. A loud eeee-yerp is also heard on breeding grounds. However, Short-eared Owls are silent on the wintering
grounds (Alsop 2001).
Interesting facts
1. The Short-eared Owl has been known to territorially compete with the Barn Owl[citation needed]. 2. The Short-eared Owl may nest on
reclaimed or replanted mines, and has been observed doing so farther south than their normal
breeding range. This makes it one of the few species to which strip-mining has become an advantage 3.The word flammeus is
Latin for "flaming, or the color of fire".[2]
References
External links
Citations
- Alsop, Fred J. Birds of North America: Eastern Region. DK Publishing, Inc. NY:NY. 2001.
- Ehrlich, Paul R, David S Dobkin and Darryl Wheye. The Birder's Handbook: A Field Guide to the Natural History of North
American Birds. Simon & Schuster Inc. NY:NY. 1988.
- Kaufman, Kenn. Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America. Houghton Mifflin Co. NY:NY. 2000.
External links
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