Long-eared Owl
Asio otus · Owls
The Long-eared Owl is a medium-sized, slender owl recognized by its prominent ear tufts, which are often held upright. This nocturnal hunter is widespread across the Northern Hemisphere but can be elusive due to its superb camouflage and secretive nature. It is known for its acute hearing, enabling it to locate prey in complete darkness.
Explore the full field guidenocturnal, migratory, carnivor
1 call·first heard Jul 1·last 102d ago
When it's heardpeak 11a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Long, closely set feather tufts on top of the head, typically erect, but flattened in flight.
- Tawny-orange facial disks with white 'eyebrows' and a white patch below the bill, vertically bisected by black stripes.
- Mottled grayish-brown overall, with dark streaking and barring on buff-colored underparts.
- Bright yellow to golden-yellow irises.