Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)

Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)

The Long-eared Owl is a secretive, medium-sized owl known for its long, erect ear tufts and bright orange eyes. It is widespread across the Northern Hemisphere and is often heard more than seen due to its nocturnal and elusive nature. Despite its secretive habits, in winter it sometimes forms conspicuous communal roosts, where many individuals gather in dense conifer trees.

🦉 Identification

• Length: 31–40 cm
• Wingspan: 86–100 cm
• Weight: 200–400 g

Appearance:

• Plumage: Mottled brown, buff, and grey, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark
• Facial disc: Pale buff or grey with bold black borders
• Eyes: Large, bright orange or deep amber
• Ear tufts: Long, narrow, and held upright when alert (not ears, but feathers used for communication and camouflage)
• Underparts: Light with heavy brown streaking

Males and females look similar; females are usually slightly larger.

🌿 Habitat

• Preferred habitats:
  • Mixed and coniferous forests
  • Woodlands with open hunting areas (meadows, farmland)
  • Shelterbelts
  • Parks
  • Shrublands
• Needs dense trees or shrubs for roosting and nesting, and open areas for hunting

Found across Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America.

🍽️ Diet

Carnivorous:

• Primarily feeds on:
  • Small mammals (voles, mice, shrews)
  • Occasionally small birds, bats, and insects
• Hunts mostly at night by flying low and silently over open ground
• Excellent hearing allows it to locate prey even under snow or vegetation

🔁 Behavior & Life Cycle

Breeding:

• Breeding season: March to July
• Nests usually taken over from:
  • Crows
  • Magpies
  • Squirrels
  • Occasionally uses natural tree cavities or artificial nest boxes
• Clutch size: 3–8 eggs
• Incubation: ~25–30 days
• Chicks fledge after ~3 weeks but depend on parents for several more weeks

Social behavior:

• Solitary during breeding
• In winter, may form communal roosts with dozens of individuals

Vocalizations:

• Males: Deep, soft “hoo” calls repeated at intervals during breeding season
• Females and chicks: High-pitched begging calls
• Sometimes gives harsh alarm calls if disturbed

🌍 Distribution

• Widespread across:
  • Europe
  • Asia
  • North Africa
  • North America

In colder regions, some populations are migratory, moving south in winter.

🧬 Interesting Facts

• Despite its name, its actual ears are on the sides of its head, hidden under feathers; the “ear tufts” are purely visual.
• Its cryptic plumage makes it incredibly hard to spot when roosting.
• Communal winter roosts can sometimes be observed in city parks or cemeteries with dense evergreens.
• Long-eared Owls are silent fliers due to specialized feather structure that reduces flight noise.

🛡️ Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern
• Stable populations in many areas, but threats include:
  • Habitat loss
  • Reduction of prey populations
  • Collisions with vehicles
  • Disturbance of roosts

Conservation measures include protecting nesting habitats and maintaining healthy rodent populations.

The Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) is a master of camouflage and stealth, rarely seen but often heard in the quiet of the night. Its haunting calls and secretive nature have made it a symbol of mystery and fascination throughout its wide range.