Short Eared Owl portrait

The Short-eared Owl is a captivating bird of prey known for its distinctive appearance and hunting behaviour. With its mottled brown plumage, piercing yellow eyes, and distinctive ear tufts, it cuts a striking figure against a variety of landscapes.

This owl is primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, meaning it is most active during the dawn and dusk hours. It can often be seen flying low over open grasslands, marshes, and meadows in search of its prey, which primarily consists of small mammals like voles and mice.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Short-eared Owl's behaviour is its habit of quartering, where it flies back and forth over an area, scanning the ground for movement. Once it spots potential prey, it will swoop down with impressive agility to capture it with its sharp talons.

This species is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia, making it a familiar sight to many birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Despite facing threats from habitat loss and degradation, conservation efforts are helping to protect this iconic owl and its vital ecosystems.