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Short-eared Owl

Introduction

The Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) may not be the most vocal owl in North America, but it’s certainly one of the most widespread and thrilling to watch. With long, graceful wingbeats and a low, ghost-like flight over open fields, this ground-nesting owl is a top predator of grasslands and marshes.

Let’s dive into what makes the Short-eared Owl so unique—and how you can spot one in the wild.

Where Do Short-eared Owls Live?

Unlike forest-dwelling owls, the Short-eared Owl prefers wide open spaces and can be found across much of the world. In North America, it's widely distributed.

Preferred habitats:

Grasslands and prairies
Marshes and wetlands
Tundra and coastal dunes
Airports and reclaimed farmland

These owls nest on the ground and rely on tall grasses for concealment. They're one of the few owl species comfortable in daylight, making them a real treat for birdwatchers.

Size and Appearance

The Short-eared Owl has a somewhat slim build and often looks larger in flight due to its broad wings.

Length: 13–17 inches
Wingspan: 38–44 inches
Weight: 7–17 ounces

Key features:

Rounded head with short, hard-to-see ear tufts
Yellow eyes surrounded by black “mascara” markings
Buff and brown streaked body
Pale underwings with a dark wrist patch—visible in flight

Males and females look similar, but females tend to be slightly larger and darker.

What Do Short-eared Owls Eat?

These owls are rodent-hunting specialists, typically hunting in early morning or late afternoon.

Common prey includes:

Voles (their top food source)
Mice and rats
Shrews
Small birds
Occasionally insects

Their hunting style is unique—they fly low and slowly over fields, occasionally hovering before diving onto prey.

Nesting and Breeding

The Short-eared Owl nests directly on the ground—often in a shallow scrape hidden by grasses or brush.

Nesting facts:

Female lays 4 to 7 eggs, sometimes more
Incubation lasts 21–23 days
Chicks are semi-precocial—leaving the nest within 12–18 days but staying nearby

Because of their ground-nesting habits, these owls are vulnerable to predators like foxes, raccoons, and even large birds.

Where to Spot Short-eared Owls in the U.S.

This species is found in all 50 U.S. states, but it’s more common in certain regions depending on the season.

Best places to see them:

Winter: Midwest, Great Plains, and Northeastern states
Breeding season: Northern states, Alaska, and Canada
Migration: Throughout the U.S., especially in open-country flyways

Look for them gliding silently over open fields at dusk—especially in wildlife preserves or protected grasslands.

What Does a Short-eared Owl Sound Like?

Despite its name, the Short-eared Owl isn’t very vocal. Most of the time it’s silent, but males make a series of “boo-boo-boo” calls during courtship flights.

Also known to produce:

Raspy barks
Screeches
Wing claps (part of aerial displays)

Fun Facts About the Short-eared Owl

World traveler: Found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica
Daylight hunter: One of the few owls you can regularly see during the day
Ground nester: Builds its nest in open areas, not in trees
Nomadic: Moves where prey is most abundant—can show up in unexpected places
Often confused with Northern Harriers: Their similar low flight style can trick even experienced birders

Conclusion

The Short-eared Owl is a highly adaptable, open-country predator that defies the classic image of owls as nocturnal, tree-dwelling hunters. With their daytime activity, haunting flight, and incredible range, these owls are a must-see for bird lovers across the U.S.

Whether you’re watching from a prairie trail in Illinois or a salt marsh in Washington, keep your eyes on the horizon—this ghost of the grasslands might just glide into view.

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