Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

This owl is most commonly seen late in the afternoon as it begins to move about in preparation for a night of hunting. It can often be identified at a great distance by the way it flies; it has a choppy and bounding flight and often stops and hovers in place. Occasionally several Short-eared Owls may be seen at once, which usually means that there are lots of small rodents in the area.

Look For : Brown above and yellowish brown with brown stripes below. Black patches around yellow eyes. Tiny ear tufts.

Length : 16".

Habitat : Fields, grasslands, marshes.

Range : Widespread.