Long-eared Owl

Identification

The long-eared owl is a medium-sized owl belonging to the family Strigidae, the typical owls. Its most distinctive feature is its pair of prominent, erectile ear-tufts—elongated feathers on the crown that give the species its common name. The nominate subspecies displays a pale ochraceous-tawny facial disc rimmed with black, while the ear-tufts themselves are mainly blackish-brown with tawny edges. The upperparts are ochraceous-tawny, finely peppered with dusky spots and blackish streaks, with the crown finely mottled. A characteristic white or pale row of feathers across the shoulder, formed by the outer webs of the scapulars, provides a useful identifying mark. The wing chord typically ranges between 263 and 313 mm, with tail length between 132 and 165 mm, though size increases slightly from west to east across the species' range, with Chinese populations being notably larger than their European counterparts.

Range & Habitat

The long-eared owl has an extensive breeding range spanning much of Europe and the Palearctic, as well as North America. The nominate subspecies is distributed from as far west as the Azores, northwestern Africa, the Iberian Peninsula and the British Isles, extending eastward through Sakhalin and Japan to northern China. Some populations winter as far south as Egypt, Pakistan, northern India and southern China. The species shows a strong preference for semi-open habitats, particularly woodland edges, where they can roost and nest within dense stands of trees while hunting over open ground—an adaptation that reflects their specialized foraging strategy.

Behaviour & Diet

The long-eared owl is a specialized predator focusing its diet primarily on small rodents, particularly voles. However, this species demonstrates considerable dietary flexibility, and under certain circumstances—such as prey population cycles, arid or insular habitats, or in urbanized areas—it readily adapts to hunting birds and insects. Unlike many owl species, long-eared owls are not strongly territorial or sedentary; they are partially migratory and sometimes characterized as nomadic. A particularly distinctive behaviour is their partiality for regular communal roosts shared by multiple individuals. The species is also notable for utilizing nests built by other animals, especially corvids, rather than constructing their own. Breeding success is closely correlated with prey availability and predation risks.

Best Time & Places to See It

As one of the most widely distributed and numerous owl species in the world, the long-eared owl can be encountered across its extensive range in Europe, the Palearctic, and North America. Woodland edges and semi-open habitats offer the best opportunities for observation. The species' nomadic habits and use of communal roosts mean that their presence in any given location may be irregular, though established roosting sites may hold multiple birds. Because they are partially migratory, seasonal timing varies across their range, with winter visitors arriving in southern regions from more northerly breeding areas.

Photography Tips

Photographing long-eared owls requires patience and knowledge of their preferred semi-open habitats. The distinctive ear-tufts are a key identification feature and make compelling photographic subjects, particularly when the owl is perched upright with tufts erect. Communal roost sites offer opportunities for multiple subjects, though photographers should maintain appropriate distances to avoid disturbing these sensitive birds. Their nocturnal and crepuscular activity patterns mean that dawn and dusk provide the best lighting conditions. The pale facial disc and contrasting dark markings photograph well in soft, directional light, which also helps emphasize the texture of their plumage and the characteristic whitish shoulder row.