Short-eared Owl

Identification

The short-eared owl is a medium-sized owl measuring 34–43 cm in length, with a wingspan of 85–110 cm. It has distinctive large eyes with striking yellow-orange irises, dramatically exaggerated by black rings encircling each eye that give the appearance of dark mascara. Large, whitish facial disks resembling a mask complete this striking appearance. The plumage is mottled tawny to brown with barred tail and wings, and the upper breast is significantly streaked. Its bill is short, strong, hooked, and black. Females are slightly larger than males.

In flight, the short-eared owl is characteristically "floppy" due to irregular wingbeats, sometimes described as moth or bat-like in movement. The species belongs to the genus Asio, known as eared owls for their feather tufts resembling mammalian ears, though the short-eared owl's tufts are very short and usually invisible unless the bird adopts a defensive pose. Where its range overlaps with the similar long-eared owl, the short-eared can be distinguished by its paler, sandier overall coloring, yellow (rather than orange) eyes, and horizontal (rather than vertical) black eye markings. In flight, look for a broad white band along the rear edge of the wing—a feature absent in long-eared owls.

Range & Habitat

The short-eared owl has one of the most widespread distributions of any bird, occurring on all continents except Antarctica and Australia. It breeds across Europe, Asia, North and South America, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and the Galápagos Islands. The species is partially migratory, moving south in winter from the northern portions of its range and is known to relocate to areas with higher rodent populations. During years when vole populations are low, it may wander nomadically in search of better food supplies.

This is quintessentially a grassland species, preferring open country and expansive grasslands for hunting and nesting. The short-eared owl is often most regularly seen flying about in early morning or late day as it hunts over these open habitats.

Behaviour & Diet

Sexual maturity is attained at one year of age. Breeding season in the northern hemisphere runs from March to June, peaking in April. During this period, these owls may gather in flocks. The males are impressive fliers, making great spectacles of themselves in flight to attract females, swooping down over the nest while flapping their wings in elaborate courtship displays. These owls are generally monogamous.

The short-eared owl nests on the ground in prairie, tundra, savanna, and meadow habitats. Nests are concealed by low vegetation and may be lightly lined with weeds, grass, or feathers. Typical clutches contain approximately 4 to 7 white eggs. The species has a scratchy, bark-like call, with common vocalizations including raspy waowk sounds or toot-toot-toot repetitions, and a loud eeee-yerp heard on breeding grounds. However, short-eared owls remain silent on their wintering grounds.

Best Time & Places to See It

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best opportunities to observe short-eared owls actively hunting over open grasslands. During the breeding season (March to June in the northern hemisphere, peaking in April), males are particularly visible as they perform their dramatic courtship flights. Look for them across their extensive range on grasslands and open country across all continents except Antarctica and Australia.

The species' nomadic tendency to relocate following rodent populations means that sightings can vary considerably from year to year, particularly during breeding season when they may gather in flocks. Wintering birds in the southern portions of their range and tropical subspecies offer year-round opportunities in their respective regions.

Photography Tips

Capture the short-eared owl's characteristic flight style during early morning and late afternoon sessions when hunting activity peaks over open grasslands. The bird's distinctive facial mask with those mascara-like black eye rings and large whitish facial disks are best photographed from the front when the bird is at rest or hovering. The broad white band along the rear edge of the wing is a striking field mark particularly visible in flight photography.

During breeding season, male courtship displays offer dramatic photographic opportunities as they swoop and perform their wing-flapping displays. The owl's irregular, floppy wingbeats create distinctive silhouettes against the sky. For comparative identification shots, photograph the horizontal black eye markings and paler, sandier plumage that distinguish it from the similar long-eared owl. The barred tail and wings provide additional compositional interest when the bird is perched or in low-altitude flight over meadows and prairies.