What is a Long-Eared Owl?

The long-eared owl is a medium sized woodland owl that can be found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. It can be most easily identified by its distinctive tufts of feathers, which resemble a cat’s ears. Like most owls, the long-eared owl is a nocturnal predator, feeding primarily on small birds and mammals.

An average long-eared owl stands about 13-16 inches (35-40 cm) tall, with females typically larger than males. It is covered in brown and buff mottled feathers, and females are darker than males. This bird has a large facial disk and a black beak. The long-eared owl is best known, however, by the ear tufts sticking up from the top of its head.

Long-eared owls can be found throughout much of the northern half of the world, including most of North America, Europe, northern Asia, Japan and northern Africa. They typically choose open fields, pastures and grasslands for hunting but prefer more sheltered areas for nesting. Often, they will select a heavily wooded area, hedgerow or similar dense shelter located near an open hunting ground for their nesting area.

Like other species of owl, the long-eared owl has excellent night vision and is a nocturnal predator. When hunting, these owls fly low to the ground, listening closely for movement. They feed primarily on small mammals such as mice and voles but might also go after larger prey, such as rabbits, frogs and moles. They will also attack small birds on the ground or in flight. Small prey is devoured immediately, but larger animals will be carried away before being eaten.

Long-eared owls are less vocal than other species of owl, and they cannot commonly be heard except during mating season. The male call is a low pitched “hoo hoo,” repeated every few seconds up to 200 times. Female calls are a rasping sound, most often heard in response to the male call.

When selecting a nest, the long-eared owl most often selects abandoned stick nests built by other birds such as crows, hawks, magpies or ravens. Occasionally, these owls will nest in crevices or hollows. The owl will not build a new nest, choosing open ground when no suitable nest can be found.

Females will lay a clutch of three to eight eggs, and incubation takes about a month. During this time, the female remains in the nest, and the male hunts and returns with food. After the eggs hatch, the male will continue to bring food for the whole family. Hatchlings begin to walk at about three weeks and usually are ready to fly at five weeks. After about two months, the young owls are independent and must look after themselves.

The Long-Eared Owl, scientifically known as Asio otus, is notable for its elongated ear tufts, which resemble ears but are actually feather tufts used for camouflage and display. With a wingspan of up to 100 cm, they are medium-sized owls that exhibit cryptic plumage, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their woodland habitats.

Long-Eared Owls have a broad range, inhabiting parts of Europe, Asia, North America, and the northern tip of Africa. They prefer dense woodlands near open areas for hunting. During winter, they may roost communally in groups, sometimes in urban parks, which provides a unique opportunity for observation.

Long-Eared Owls are skilled hunters, primarily preying on small mammals like voles, mice, and rats. Their diet can also include small birds and insects. They hunt mostly at night, using their exceptional hearing to locate prey even under snow or foliage, demonstrating their adaptability in various environments.

Long-Eared Owls communicate through a repertoire of hoots, squeaks, and whistles. During the breeding season, males emit low-pitched hoots to attract females and ward off rivals. Their calls can be heard over long distances, facilitating communication in dense forests where visibility is limited.

Long-Eared Owls typically breed once a year, with courtship beginning in late winter. They often use abandoned nests of other birds, such as crows or hawks. Females lay 4-6 eggs, which they incubate for about 25-30 days. Both parents are involved in rearing the young, which fledge at around 5 weeks old.

Long-Eared Owls are not currently considered endangered; they are classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN Red List. However, they face threats from habitat loss, collisions with vehicles, and rodenticides. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their habitats and mitigating these threats to ensure their populations remain stable.