Long-eared Owl

Asio otus

The Long-eared Owl is often overlooked, due to its extreme nocturnal habits and ability to "freeze" and blend in with its habitat .  Often the best means of locating one is to find the large accumulation of droppings and pellets underneath its roost, which it tends to use for many days at a time.  Groups of Long-eared Owls are sometimes found roosting together in conifer groves during the winter.

Habitat: Generally prefers mixed habitats of trees for roosting with nearby open areas for hunting, but can be found in a very wide variety of habitats.

Diet: Primarily feeds on small rodents.  Will also eat small birds, lizards, frogs, snakes, and bats.

Behavior: Primarily hunts at night, usually by flying slowly close to the ground, locating prey by both sight and sound.

Nesting: April through June

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: Generally silent, but will give low melodic hoots. 

Migration: Some in the northern part of its range move south in the winter.  Others throughout its range may be permanent residents, while still others may be nomadic, following available food supplies.

Similar Species: Great Horned Owl, Short-eared Owl

Status: Sometimes difficult to observe, the status of the Long-eared Owl is not well known.  There are some indications that overall populations are in decline.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Long-eared Owl

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Long-eared Owl"

3) eNature.com -- Long-eared Owl

Photo Information: November 9, 2007 - Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Long-eared Owl photos.