Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)
Long-eared owl (Asio otus)
Long-eared Owl – The Elegant Nocturnal Hunter
The Long-eared Owl impresses with its feather tufts, fiery orange eyes, and bark-like plumage. Learn about its habitat, diet, and unique breeding behavior.
Quick Facts
- Size: 31–37 cm, with a slender build and long ear tufts.
- Features: Bark-patterned plumage, fiery orange eyes, excellent camouflage.
- Habitat: Light woodlands, parks, hedgerows, and cemeteries.
- Breeding: Uses old crow or magpie nests; chicks leave the nest after about three weeks.
- Diet: Mainly field voles and small mammals, sometimes small birds depending on food availability.
Key Data
- Scientific Name: Asio otus
- Size: 31–37 cm
- Distribution: Europe, Asia, North America
- Habitat: Forest edges, parks, cemeteries
- Special Features: Long ear tufts and bark-like plumage for perfect camouflage
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Unique Long-eared Owl
- Features of the Long-eared Owl
- Habitat and Distribution
- Breeding and Nesting Behavior
- Diet and Hunting Behavior
- Practical Examples: Spotting the Long-eared Owl
- FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Long-eared Owl
1. Introduction: The Unique Long-eared Owl
The Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) is a remarkable nocturnal hunter known for its striking appearance and adaptability. Measuring 31 to 37 cm, this slender owl is easily recognized by its long, upright feather tufts and fiery orange eyes. Its bark-like plumage provides exceptional camouflage, making it nearly invisible while perched in trees during the day.
Active mainly at night, the Long-eared Owl is a skilled predator, gliding silently over fields and meadows in search of prey. Found across Europe, Asia, and North America, it is an integral part of many ecosystems, helping to control rodent populations.
2. Features of the Long-eared Owl
The Long-eared Owl has several distinctive features that make it unique among owls:
- Size and Build: At 31–37 cm, it has a slender body and long wings, giving it an elegant silhouette.
- Plumage: Its bark-like coloration and intricate patterns provide excellent camouflage against tree trunks and branches.
- Ear Tufts: Its long, upright feather tufts are its most prominent feature, though they are not used for hearing.
- Eyes: The owl’s striking orange eyes contrast beautifully with its muted plumage.
- Flight: Its long wings and quiet flight make it a highly effective nocturnal predator.
The Long-eared Owl’s ability to blend into its surroundings during the day is a key survival strategy, allowing it to avoid predators and disturbances.
3. Habitat and Distribution
The Long-eared Owl is a versatile species that thrives in a variety of habitats, particularly those offering both hunting grounds and roosting spots.
Typical Habitats
- Forest Edges and Open Woodlands: Prefers areas with a mix of trees and open spaces.
- Parks and Cemeteries: Common in urban and suburban settings with tall trees.
- Hedgerows and Farmlands: Often hunts in open fields with low vegetation.
Distribution
The Long-eared Owl is widespread across Europe, Asia, and North America. In temperate regions like Central Europe, it often remains year-round, while populations in colder climates migrate to milder areas during winter.
4. Breeding and Nesting Behavior
The Long-eared Owl does not build its own nests but relies on existing structures for breeding.
Nesting
- Nest Sites: It uses abandoned nests of crows, magpies, and other large birds.
- Tree Structures: Dense trees or areas with ample foliage provide cover for nesting.
- Chicks: After hatching, chicks remain in the nest for about three weeks before moving to nearby branches, where they can be heard calling for food.
Breeding Cycle
- Clutch Size: Typically lays 4–6 eggs.
- Incubation: Eggs are incubated for about 27–28 days, primarily by the female.
- Parental Care: Both parents participate in feeding and protecting the chicks.
Reusing nests saves energy and allows the Long-eared Owl to focus on raising its young and hunting.
5. Diet and Hunting Behavior
The Long-eared Owl is a specialist rodent hunter but adapts its diet based on food availability.
Main Diet
- Field Voles and Small Mammals: These form the bulk of its diet.
- Small Birds: In winter or when rodents are scarce, it may hunt small birds.
- Regional Preferences: Diet varies by region; in Scandinavia, it hunts primarily bank voles, while in Central Europe, field voles dominate.
Hunting Strategy
Hunting mostly at night, the Long-eared Owl glides silently over open fields, using its sharp talons to capture prey. Its excellent hearing helps it locate rodents, even under snow or vegetation.
6. Practical Examples: Spotting the Long-eared Owl
Spotting a Long-eared Owl requires patience and the right conditions, as it is a master of camouflage and primarily active at night.
Observation Tips
- Daytime Roosting: Look for it perched in dense trees or conifers, often near open fields. Its bark-like plumage makes it nearly invisible.
- Nocturnal Activity: At night, listen for its low, repetitive “hoo-hoo” calls or the begging calls of chicks in summer.
- Winter Roosts: In winter, Long-eared Owls often roost in groups, making them easier to locate.
7. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Long-eared Owl
1. How can you tell a Long-eared Owl apart from other owls?
It is slimmer than a Tawny Owl, has longer ear tufts than a Short-eared Owl, and its fiery orange eyes make it unique.
2. Where does the Long-eared Owl live?
It inhabits forest edges, parks, cemeteries, and farmland, often near open hunting grounds.
3. What does the Long-eared Owl eat?
Primarily field voles and other small mammals, but it also preys on small birds when necessary.
4. Does the Long-eared Owl build its own nests?
No, it reuses abandoned nests built by crows, magpies, or other birds.
5. Is the Long-eared Owl endangered?
In most of its range, the Long-eared Owl is not endangered, but habitat loss can pose local challenges.
The Long-eared Owl is a captivating nocturnal predator, admired for its elegance and adaptability. Whether perched in a tree or gliding silently over fields, this owl is a true icon of the night.
