THE LONG EARED OWL
(Asio otus)

The Long Eared Owl, is native to the whole of North America and breeds in the northern part of it's range, including Southern Ontario.

They have upright-standing ears and a constantly surprised expression.

According to Wikipedia, these are adaptable birds with a vast range and are widely distributed Owls in the North America with a similar species being found in France, Spain, Ireland and most of Europe as well as Morocco and Tunisia in North Africa and the southern part of Russia.

In this area, these birds nest in trees, both deciduous and coniferous, often in mixed forests and sometimes in urban areas and seem to prefer life at the woodland edge, as they often roost and nest in dense stands of wood but prefer to do their hunting over open ground.

Their diet is almost 100% rodents, especially Voles which make up most of their prey. When necessary, the Long Eared Owl will also eat reptiles and amphibians including snakes, frogs, toads and lizards.

These birds are identified easily by their large ear tufts which give them their name, although these are not actually ears at all, but feathers.

They often have a brown or gray face and white patch on their throat, their eyes have a yellow iris and their feet and legs have feathers up to the talons.

These birds breed early in the year, usually in January or February in Ontario, they are monogamous and usually lay one clutch of eggs each year.

The youngsters are ready to leave the nest at around three weeks of age, at which time they are not fully fledged and still rely on their parents for food, calling them with high pitched notes so their parents can locate and feed them.

By five weeks of age they are fully fledged and are able to fly, but they often are still fed by their parents and follow them for another two months.

Long Eared Owl Info ...

The Long Eared Owl- All About Birds

The Long Eared Owl - Wikipedia

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