Long-eared Owl

Asio otus

Overview

The Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) is a species of owl (family Strigidae) in the order Strigiformes of bird (class Aves).

Description

A medium-sized slender owl with long wings and a short, squarish tail and prominent ear tufts. Strictly nocturnal. North American populations are darker and coarsely marked, with orange-brown face patches and yellow eyes. Eurasian birds are paler overall and have reddish eyes.

Range

Extensive range across the Northern Hemisphere. Found near open spaces with short vegetation and abundant prey and brushy thickets or conifer groves for roosting and nesting.