Long-eared Owl
(Asio otus)
The Long-eared Owl is a slender owl that can grow to slightly over a foot tall (15 inches - 38 cm) which is about crow size. It has long "ear" tufts (hence its name) but they are located closer together than those of the Great Horned Owl. The facial disk is chestnut colored and the breast and belly are streaked and barred.
Long-eared Owls prefer to live in dense coniferous forests or mixed forests consisting of deciduous and evergreen trees. They tend to perch close to the trunk, as well as roost communally (e.g., 2 to 20 birds living together) but hunt at night in nearby fields and meadows. Mammals are the preferred prey, especially various species of voles (Microtus spp.) and field mice. Other mammals (e.g., bats, moles, rabbits) and various species of birds are occasionally captured.
Long-eared Owls prefer to live in dense coniferous forests or mixed forests consisting of deciduous and evergreen trees. They tend to perch close to the trunk, as well as roost communally (e.g., 2 to 20 birds living together) but hunt at night in nearby fields and meadows. Mammals are the preferred prey, especially various species of voles (Microtus spp.) and field mice. Other mammals (e.g., bats, moles, rabbits) and various species of birds are occasionally captured.
Long-eared Owls live in the forest (either coniferous or mixed deciduous/coniferous forests). However, they hunt in adjacent open ecosystems such as farm fields, uncultivated fields and marshes.
References:
Johnsgard, P. A. 2002. North American Owls: biology and natural history. 2nd ed. Smithsonian Institution Press. Washington, D.C.
Marks, J.S., D.L. Evans and D.W. Holt. 1994. Long-eared Owl (Asio otus), The Birds of North America Online (A. Poole, Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Retrieved from the Birds of North America Online: http://bna/birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/133.
Walsh, J., V. Elia, R. Kane and T. Halliwell. 1999. Birds of New Jersey. New Jersey Audubon Society. Bernardsville, NJ.
Johnsgard, P. A. 2002. North American Owls: biology and natural history. 2nd ed. Smithsonian Institution Press. Washington, D.C.
Marks, J.S., D.L. Evans and D.W. Holt. 1994. Long-eared Owl (Asio otus), The Birds of North America Online (A. Poole, Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Retrieved from the Birds of North America Online: http://bna/birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/133.
Walsh, J., V. Elia, R. Kane and T. Halliwell. 1999. Birds of New Jersey. New Jersey Audubon Society. Bernardsville, NJ.
In the spring (mid April to mid May), following courtship, typically 4 to 5 eggs are laid in the old stick nest of another bird (e.g., crow) that is located in a forest (mostly coniferous). Like other species of owls, the eggs continue to be laid over a period of one to several days but the female begins incubation immediately. After 3 - 4 weeks the owlets leave the nest and 'branch' (sit on branches but do not fly) while the male and female continue to feed them. After about a month they fledge (begin flying) and in about two months achieve independence from their parents.
A young Long-eared Owl 'branching' while in a defensive posture. Raising feathers and wings to enlarge the body size is a typical defensive posture for owls.
Long-eared Owls have an extensive distribution in North America. Part of their range represents the location where they breed - nest and raise their young. In the winter, some Long-eared Owls remain in this location and thus are year-round residents. However, during the fall some leave their breeding range and migrate into the southern parts of the United States (and Central America). In the spring, they migrate back north to their breeding range. This migratory group enters New Jersey, starting about October and continuing into November. Those that stay in the state (and do not continue moving further south) are classified as winter residents. The abundance and distribution of the Long-eared Owl in New Jersey is very sparse.
Some Long-eared Owls do not leave the state in the spring but remain to breed. However, the number that nest in New Jersey is considered to be very small.
Some Long-eared Owls do not leave the state in the spring but remain to breed. However, the number that nest in New Jersey is considered to be very small.
Roosting and nesting habitat
Hunting habitat
Long-eared Owls may leave their breeding grounds in the north to fly south during the fall. Some will remain in New Jersey during the winter forming communal roosts.
Status
Long-eared Owls are considered a threatened species in New Jersey.
Long-eared Owls are considered a threatened species in New Jersey.
Habitat Preference Summary
Credits: Long-eared Owl (Outdoorsman | Dreamstime) / Rodents, Habitat (Dorling Kindersley) / Map (Ioannis Ioannou) / Long-eared Owl Illustration (Allan Brooks)
