About the Short-eared Owl
The Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) is a species documented in our database. Learn more about this species through the information below.
Conservation Status
Short-eared Owl is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Population Trend
stable
Current Threats
- Habitat loss and fragmentation
- Climate change
- Human disturbance (agriculture, urbanization)
Photo Gallery
6 photos available
Geographic Distribution
Distribution by Region
North America
Continent: North America
Country: United States, Canada
Region: Eastern and central United States, southern Canada
South America
Continent: South America
Country: Argentina, Chile, Uruguay
Region: Pampas grasslands, Patagonia
Europe
Continent: Europe
Country: United Kingdom, France, Germany
Region: Western and central Europe
Asia
Continent: Asia
Country: China, Japan, India
Region: Eastern and southern Asia
Africa
Continent: Africa
Country: South Africa, Morocco, Egypt
Region: Southern and northern Africa
Distribution Overview
The Short-eared Owl is a widespread species found on every continent except Antarctica, breeding in open fields, grasslands, and wetlands.
Quick Facts
- Size
- 33 - 37 cm
- Weight
- 200 - 400 g
- Lifespan
- up to 4-6 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity years
- Diet
- Small mammals (voles, mice, shrews)Birds (songbirds, game birds)Insects (grasshoppers, crickets)
Habitat
Open fieldsGrasslandsWetlandsAgricultural areasCoastal areas
Behavior
- Hunts during the day and at night, using its acute hearing and exceptional vision
- Perches on fence posts, trees, or other elevated spots to scan for prey
- Engages in a unique, wing-clapping display during courtship
- Breeds in open fields, grasslands, and wetlands, often in small colonies
- Migrates to warmer regions during the winter months