Short-eared Owls

by Stan Tekiela
© NatureSmart
March 17, 2006

The end of winter can sometimes bring unusual bird species to the northland. One example of this late season addition to our bird list is the recent reports of Short-eared Owls (Asio fammeus). These medium sized owls are one of my favorite owl species. They stand about 15 inches tall compared to 22 inches tall of the more familiar Great Horned Owl.

Once found all across the United States their range has shrunk to a handful of western and some central states. From western Dakota’s, south to Missouri and west to the Pacific coast is their current range. During winter they can wonder as far east as New England and sometimes show up in the southern states.

The name "Short-eared" comes from the short feather tufts located on the bird’s head. The Great Horned Owl has large feather tufts that are very visible. The tufts of the Short-eared are barely visible and when you do see them the tufts are very short and positioned close together on top of the head. They have the ability to fold the tufts down making them invisible.

Short-ears have long wings—long narrow wings with rounded tips. These long wings (just over three feet long) give these owls an easy floating-like flight which is easily recognizable from a distance. Some describe their flight as butterfly-like but I am not so sure I see that when I watch these owls fly.

One of the reasons they are one of my favorite owls is because they can be active during the daylight hours when I can see and photograph them. Unlike other owl species, Short-ears sometimes become active an hour or two just before sunset. Sometimes on cloudy windless days during winter they can be seen hunting over fields at midday. Just the fact that it is an owl that can be observed during the day makes this bird more interesting.

Most owls hunt from a perched position which is to say, they will sit on a perch and scan the area looking and listening for their prey. Short-ears are much more like a hawk. In fact, they look and act very similar to the Northern Harrier. The Harrier, formerly called "Marsh Hawk", hunt by flying low over open fields and marshes following the contour of the land scanning the ground for small mammals, birds and reptiles. When they spy something the Harrier quickly turns or drops down in a sneak attack. Short-eared Owls do the exact same thing.

The hunting styles and habitat are so similar between these two I would even go as far as saying if you are seeing Harrier’s hunting over a field you have also found the preferred habitat of the Short-eared Owl.

Another aspect of the Short-eared Owl that I really like is they are often found in small groups during winter. I often seen 4 to 10 owls hunting over a single grassy field. Late in winter is also the time when the Short-ears become vocal. A group of owls can raise a ruckus with a series of barks. I remember the first time I heard it I though it sounded like a tiny muffled dog barking.

With the flood gates of spring about to burst, we can look forward many new and fascinating visitors. I for one can’t wait. Until next time…

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