Photos
About Short-eared Owl
Hunts during the day and at night, using its acute hearing and exceptional visionPerches on fence posts, trees, or other elevated spots to scan for preyEngages in a unique, wing-clapping display during courtshipBreeds in open fields, grasslands, and wetlands, often in small coloniesMigrates to warmer regions during the winter months
Size
33 - 37 cm
Weight
200 - 400 g
Lifespan
up to 4-6 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity
Diet
Small mammals (voles, mice, shrews), Birds (songbirds, game birds), Insects (grasshoppers, crickets)
Conservation Status
Status
Least Concern
Population Trend
stable
Threats
- Habitat loss and fragmentation
- Climate change
- Human disturbance (agriculture, urbanization)
Additional Notes
The Short-eared Owl is a widespread and relatively common species, but its population is declining in some parts of its range due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Distribution
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North America
North America • United States, Canada
South America
South America • Argentina, Chile, Uruguay
Europe
Europe • United Kingdom, France, Germany
Asia
Asia • China, Japan, India
Africa
Africa • South Africa, Morocco, Egypt
The Short-eared Owl is a widespread species found on every continent except Antarctica, breeding in open fields, grasslands, and wetlands.