| Short-eared Owl | ||||||||||||||
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| Asio flammeus |
The Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus is a species of owl which breed in Europe, Asia, [North America|North]] and South America, the Caribbean, Hawaii and the Galapagos. This bird is partiallymigratory, moving south in winter from the northern parts of its range. It will also wander nomadically in poor vole years in search of better food supplies.
This species is a part of the larger grouping of owls known as typical owls, Strigidae, which contains most species of owl. The other grouping is the barn owls, Tytonidae.
It nests on the ground on open heathland or tundra, laying 3-4 eggs, but up to a dozen in vole years.
It hunts over open country, often by day. Its food is mainly rodents, especially voles, but it will take other small mammals and birds.
The Short-eared Owl has yellow eyes; its short ear-tufts are not usually visible. It is brownish above and pale below. It is very long winged, and glides slowly on stiff wings when hunting. It will often perch on the ground or low posts.
See also bird of prey.