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Class: Birds
Diet: Small mammals Body Size: 13-16 inches Family: Owls Scientific Name: Asio Otus Habitat: ConiferousForest
Range: North America, Asia and Europe |
The long
eared owl is a buoyant flier, appearing to glide noiselessly even when
their wings are flapping. They are very maneuverable and can fly through
fairly dense brush. When they fly, they hover and flutter while looking
for prey.
Their plumage is brown and buff, with heavy mottling and barring over most
of the body. Male plumage tends to be lighter than females. The eyes are
golden yellow, encircled by black feathers that are set in an orange-brown
facial disk. There beak is black. Under the beak there is a white tuft
of feathers. The owls legs and feet are heavily feathered.
Long eared owls
hunt mainly from late dusk to just before dawn. When prey is spotted, the
owl pounces immediately, pinning the prey to the ground with its powerful
talons. Smaller prey is usually swallowed whole. Larger prey is carried
to the nest. Long eared owls mainly feed on squirrels, bats, chipmunks,
gophers, shrews, moles, cottontail rabbits, kangaroo rats, pocket mice,
grouse, screech owls, insects, frogs and some snakes.
Pellets are
fairly large, about 2 inches long and 2 centimeters thick. Pellets are
an oval shape and compacted with many bones, skulls and teeth. They are
regurgitated 3 to 4 hours after eating.
Long eared owl
don't make their own nests. They use old, abandoned nests. The females
lay 3 to 10 eggs, usually 4 or 5. The mother incubates the eggs for almost
a month. Her partner brings her food during this period and once the chicks
are hatched. The young owls leave the nest after 3 to 4 weeks.
Predators of
the long eared owl are Great Horned owls and Barred owls. Raccoons are
major predators to the eggs.
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Class: Birds
Diet: Small mammals Body Size: 13-16 inches Family: Owls Scientific Name: Asio Otus Habitat: ConiferousForest
Range: North America, Asia and Europe |