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Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus ORDER: STRIGIFORMES FAMILY: STRIGIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Short-eared Owl Photo

© 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

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.

Come watch nesting birds at Nestcams.org

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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    Adult
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 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.