Bird Profiles - Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)
Picture @ Ian McGuire
Status in UK
Approximately 2000 breeding pairs, but could be more - difficult to survey due to it’s excellent camouflage and secretive nature. Birds from Europe boost the population as they over-winter in the UK between October and May
Description
Approximately 2000 breeding pairs, but could be more -
Description
The Long-eared Owl is smaller and slimmer than the Tawny Owl. It has long feather ears, orange-yellow eyes, as well as a conspicuous, well defined facial disc. Its plumage is the colour of bark. The female is often darker than the male. In flight long rather pointed wings. Active at dusk and by night; in winter often seen in loose groups.
Diet
Feeds mainly on field voles, as well as other small rodents, shrews and birds
Habitat
Mainly found in woodland on the edge of open country; also in copses. In the Winter to be found in settlements.
Breeding
Males perform display flights around the nest site, which often involve erratic gliding and wing clapping. Breeding takes place from March to June with 3 to 6 eggs. The incubation period is 27 to 28 days. The young have a call similar to a squeaking gate, and they ready to leave the nest at 18 to 25 days, and fledge from 30 days. Breeds mainly in abandoned crows' nests.
Calls
Long-eared Owls are mainly silent for most of the year, with most calling taking place in the breeding season. The male advertising call is a repeated low hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo. The female responds with a raspy call similar to blowing through a comb and paper.
Picture @ Ann & Steve Toon
Picture @ Ann & Steve Toon
