ID Keys: Horizontal stripes on belly, long ear tufts, slimmer than
Great Horned Owl
The Long-eared Owl is often overlooked, due to its extreme
nocturnal habits and ability to "freeze" and blend in with its habitat
. Often the best means of locating one is to find the large accumulation
of droppings and pellets underneath its roost, which it tends to use for many
days at a time. Groups of Long-eared Owls are sometimes found roosting
together in conifer groves during the winter.
Habitat
Generally
prefers mixed habitats of trees for roosting with nearby open areas for hunting,
but can be found in a very wide variety of habitats.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small rodents. Will also eat
small birds, lizards, frogs, snakes, and bats.
Behavior
Primarily hunts at night, usually by
flying slowly close to the ground, locating prey by both sight and sound.
Nesting
April through June
Song
Generally silent,
but will give low melodic hoots.
Migration
Some in the northern part of its range move south in the winter. Others
throughout its range may be permanent residents, while still others may be
nomadic, following available food supplies.
Sometimes difficult to observe, the status
of the Long-eared Owl is not well known. There are some indications
that overall populations are in decline. However, the IUCN lists the
Long-eared Owl as a species of "Least Concern".
Photo Information
November 9, 2007 - Big Sioux Recreation
Area near Brandon - Terry Sohl
