by Gil Valo

Created on: August 07, 2011   Last Updated: August 08, 2011

There are 1,000-3,000 estimated short-eared owl pairs in the United Kingdom. They are resident and winter visitors, and are occasionaly viewed in large numbers.

The Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) is classified as a typical owl species(family Strigidae). The Latin word “asio” means horned owl and “flammeus(color of fire).” In flight, they have pure lemon eyes that resemble glowing fire. Genus asio are eared owls, and have tufts of feathers that resemble mammalian ears. Unless the owl’s reaction is a surprised defensive posture, its very short tufts are difficult to see. The tufts of short-eared owls are seen closer together than most other eared owls.

Their long wingspan is relative to their body size. Length: 37-39cm; wingspan: 95-110cm. Their facial disc, long rounded wings and low gliding style, make them comparable to Marsh Harriers and Hen (or Northern) Harriers (Circus cyaneus). The harriers, and short-eared owls have been reported to hover over their prey before dropping down and catching it with their feet.

Short-eared owls are diurnal (active during the day) as well as nocturnal (active at night). They are active at any time of day or night. They are often active at dusk, but during winter and the breeding season they are more active in the daylight hours. Areas lacking diurnal competitors, such as harriers, encourage short-eared owls to hunt during daylight hours. In the northern part of the United Kingdom they are commonly seen during the daytime.

The Short-eared Owl loves to hunt in the open countryside, and they frequently visit moorland and marshes. “It is often seen sitting on a post.” In winter, continental birds flow in from Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland. They visit northern and eastern England, and coastal and central southern England. European conservation have listed the short-eared owl as an Amber List species; they are least concerned with it.

Long-eared owls are not as pale and stocky as the flying short-eared owl, and their wingspan is not as large. The tail and wings of short-eared owls have distinct bar markings. They are medium-sized owls with brown spotted and yellow and white buff streaked plumage. Beneath their body is discovered a pale body but they have a bold streaked chest. The yellowish facial disc with flaming lemon eyes set in black patches distinguishes the owl as an intimidating presence. The males engage in aerial performance

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