Short-eared Owl

The short-eared owl is among the world’s most widely distributed owls, occurring on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. It favors open, treeless, comparatively flat country where low flight makes hunting practical, including grasslands, marshes, swamps, bogs, and farmland. Adults measure about 34–42.3 cm long, span 95–110 cm, and weigh 206–475 g. Females tend to be slightly larger, while both sexes show variable yellow-white and dark-brown plumage suited to concealment in ground vegetation. (Animal Diversity Web)

Voles, mice, and other small mammals dominate this owl’s diet. It commonly searches by flying slowly about two metres above the ground, locating hidden prey mainly through sound, although it can also hunt from a suitable perch. Courtship includes aerial displays, wing clapping, and food offerings by the male. Nests are placed on the ground under protective tall grasses and contain four to seven plain white eggs. Average incubation lasts 21 days, and young leave the nest before becoming fully independent. (Animal Diversity Web)