Long-Eared Owl
Geographic Range: The Long Eared-owl is distributed throughout the northern hemisphere, being found in North America, Europe and across the Soviet Union as far east as Japan\
Status: Protected by the Migratory Bird Act Treaty. Considered a fairly common owl in Minnesota.
Length: 13-16 inches in height with a wingspan of 37 - 42 inches
Weight: 0.4 to 0.75 pounds
Description: Superficially resembles a medium sized Great Horned Owl. The Long-eared Owl’s tufts are closer together on its head than that of the Great Horned Owl. Yellow eyes and prominent facial discs, white along the middle of its face, and vertical barring on the chest and belly identify it. The bird’s feet are feathered. Immature birds resemble the adults.
Habitat: Frequently dense coniferous woodland, sometimes deciduous woodland, river woodland, woodlots, parks, and orchards. A bird of the deep woods! Long-eared Owls prefer to use an abandoned crow, raven, or hawk nest, although there are reports of them occasionally building a crude nest of their own.
Behavior: A very nocturnal hunter. The Long-eared Owl hunts over open country at night roosting in dense groves by day, especially conifers.
Typical Diet: Mice, rats, shrews, voles, and small rabbits.
Similar Species: Short-eared Owl
Voice: Dog-like barks and hoots, although usually quiet in winter. May growl and clack its jaw when distressed and/or to frighten a possible predator. Its basic song is a dull, low, almost moaning hoot, audible for half a mile or more.
Special Notes:
- Sexual Maturity occurs in the first year of life
- Clutch sizes in North America collectively average about 4 to 5 eggs
- Incubation is usually 25 to 26 days
- Males may injury-feign to protect the nest
