The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized, diurnal and nocturnal owl of open grasslands and fields. It is widely distributed throughout most of North America. It is often seen hunting over farm fields or perched on roadside fenceposts or telephone wires. When perched it leans forward, more hawklike than other owls, and appears bulky rather than sleek. Its head appears round without ear tufts, but at very close range small ear tufts are visible. Its plumage is buffy brown with dark streaks on the chest, belly, and back. Its wings and tail are strongly barred. Its lemon yellow eyes are encircled with black and set in whitish or buffy-white facial disks. The facial disks are suffused with a ring of brown. The bill is black. In flight, the dark "wrist" on the underwing is the key field mark.
Size
The Short-eared Owl is the 7th largest North American owl. Females are 5 to 10% larger than males. Lengths average 16 inches (40 centimeters) for females and 15 inches (38 centimeters) for males. Wingspans average 42 inches (107 centimeters) for females and 41 inches (105 centimeters) for males. Weights average 12 ounces (337 grams) for females and 10 ounces (287 grams) for males.
Specific Description
Adult
- refer to above
- medium-sized, earless owl active during the day
- very pale round facial disks
- large buffy wing patches are visible in flight
Similar Species
The Short-eared Owl can be confused with Barn Owls because both are light-colored, but the Barn Owl has heart-shaped facial disks and is paler. Long-eared Owls are similar in size and can be mistaken for Short-eared Owls at night, but are darker and have prominent ear tufts. In flight the latter has a small "wrist" patch, buffy underwings, and a darker belly. Northern Harriers hunt in similar habitats but they have a white rump patch, longer tail, and more uniform plumage color.
Other Names
It has also been known as Grass Owl, Marsh Owl, Prairie Owl, Flat-faced Owl, Palmetto Owl, Woodcock Owl, and Meadow Owl.
Etymology
The scientific name Asio flammeus translates into "flaming or flame-colored eared owl".
Mythology
The Inuit believed that the Short-eared Owl was once a young girl who was magically transformed into an owl with a long beak. But the owl became frightened and flew into the side of a house, flattening its face and beak.
