Long-eared owl

The long-eared owl (Asio otus) is a medium sized owl that is similar in size to the barn owl but slightly smaller than the tawny owl and short-eared owl. Like most owls it is mainly nocturnal, but it also sometimes hunts by day. It is to be found in coniferous woodland and also in marshy and moorland areas.

It is found throughout continental Europe, except for the far north. It breeds in many parts of the United Kingdom, although it is rarely seen in south-west England or south Wales. English populations are generally resident, but those in Scotland tend to migrate south for the winter. Migrant long-eared owls also arrive from continental Europe to winter in the UK. Long-eared owls are also found in Asia and North America.

Appearance

The long-eared owl is around 34-37 centimetres (13-14.5 inches) in length, with females being slightly larger than males. It is of slender build, with a slightly elongated face, orange eyes, and facial markings that give the long-eared owl a permanent expression of surprise. The “ears” are not ears at all, but tufts above the eyes that are raised in alarm to ward off predators.

The plumage, which is similar as between males and females, is grey-brown above and streaky buff below. The wings are long and broad, with orange-buff patches on the uppersides and somewhat lighter below. The short tail is square in shape.

Behaviour

In flight the long-eared owl makes deep jerky beats followed by glides on level wings. Long-eared owls roost in trees during the day, often in small groups. They can be difficult to see because they can easily be mistaken for broken branch stumps.

The call of the long-eared owl is a low moaning hoot (heard between January and April), but it can also produce a variety of barks, screams and squeals, and young birds sound like rusty hinges opening and closing. Long-eared owls will also signal their presence by clapping their wings sharply against the sides of their bodies.

Food comprises small mammals, such as voles and mice, small birds, and insects. 

Breeding

Long-eared owls usually nest in trees, using the abandoned nests of other birds, such as crows or jays, or squirrel dreys, with a little modification. However, ground nesting is also possible if suitable tree sites are not available.

The clutch consists of four to six eggs, laid at any time between March and June. The female long-eared owl begins incubation as soon as the first egg is laid, which means that the young hatch successively. Incubation takes 27-28 days, being done by the female alone, while the male stands guard nearby.

When the young birds start to hatch the male long-eared owl brings food for the whole family, although he passes it to the female who then feeds the chicks. The young leave the nest at around 21 days, and only one brood is raised.

© John Welford