Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)

ground NESTER

AdobeStock_98631806_Short-eared Owl(2) flying by Sander Meertins.jpg

DESCRIPTION: The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized, relatively slender owl. It is mottled brown with thin, dark streaks on the chest. The short ear tufts, for which the bird is named, are barely visible. The female is often darker and buffier than the male. It is the only owl regularly seen hunting in the open during daylight hours, although it is most often seen at dawn and dusk.

DIET: Primarily small mammals (voles, shrews, and rabbits), but birds and insects are also taken. They can often be seen hovering and hunting low above the ground, similar to the Northern Harrier.

Short-eared Owls and Northern Harriers can be found in the same habitats.

HABITAT AND NESTING: Short-eared Owls and Northern Harriers both roost and nest on the ground. They require large (> 100 acres), open areas of undisturbed grassland or wetland habitat where prey is abundant to nest successfully and for wintering habitat. Their nest is located on the ground in a shallow scrape surrounded by tall grasses, weeds and other vegetation. Short-eared Owls respond to spatial and temporal variation in small mammal abundance by shifting breeding and wintering sites, and by adjusting the timing of breeding in accordance with local prey abundance.

CONSERVATION STATUS: The Short-eared Owl is listed as endangered in Maryland and is uncommon to rare across the United States. It can be found in small numbers in appropriate habitat in the winter. The North American population has declined by 65% since 1970. The second breeding bird atlas reported only one nest in Maryland (there were no nests in the first atlas). Habitat loss due to development, changes in farming practices, reforestation, and natural succession and loss of wetland habitat have led to recent declines. The Short-eared Owl will occasionally use reclaimed strip mines for nesting, which provide additional habitat. If these areas are maintained as grasslands they may help increase their populations in Maryland.