Long-eared Owl
Long-eared Owl Information
Length: 13 - 16"
Habitat: Coniferous or mixed woodlands, wooded swamps, wooded edges of streams, orchards, parks. Prefers habitat near open country for hunting. Requires dense stands of trees (usually coniferous) for nesting and roosting.
Diet: Mainly voles and mice. Also, other small mammals, small birds, lizards, small snakes, and some insects.
Song and calls of the Long-eared Owl
Additional Information
Long-eared OwlHabitat, diet, feeding behavior, nesting, migration, and conservation status of this owl. Includes range map, photos, and songs and calls. (From Audubon Field Guide)
Long-eared Owl
© Photo David Blevins
Long-eared Owl
Identification Tips
- Wingspan: 39 inches
- Large, nocturnal, predatory bird
- Large, rounded head with long ear tufts
- Yellow eyes
- Rusty facial disks
- Gray-brown upperparts with small black and white markings
- White underparts with black cross-shaped markings
- Sexes similar
- Often roosts in dense conifers
(Credit: U. S. Geological Survey)
Long-eared Owl
Range Maps from Cornell
Long-eared Owl
breeding, nonbreeding and year-round range
Includes separate map of sightings.
Long-eared Owl
Christmas Bird Count Map
Historical CBC Map from USGS