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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus ORDER: STRIGIFORMES FAMILY: STRIGIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A bird of open grasslands, the Short-eared Owl is one of the most widely distributed owls in the world. It is found across North America, South America, and Eurasia, and on many oceanic islands.

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Appearance

Owls
Owls
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized owl.
  • Mostly mottled brown.
  • Chest pale with thin streaks.
  • Head large and round.
  • Large buff wing patch on outer wing visible in flight.
  • Flies close to ground with characteristic floppy flight.

Immature Description

Similar to adult.

Range Map Help

Short-eared Owl Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
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    Short-eared Owl

    Adult
    • © Brian L. Sullivan, Manahawkin, New Jersey, January 2000

Similar Species

  • Long-eared Owl is darker, with prominent ear tufts, and barring on the belly, but is very similar in flight.