The Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) is a species of owl which breeds in Europe, Asia, and North America. This species is a part of the larger grouping of owls known as typical owls, family Strigidae, which contains most species of owl. The other grouping of owls are the barn owls, family Tytonidae.
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See how colors blend to pine's See how colors blend to pine's
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Late afternoon activities starts as the sun starts to set Late afternoon activities starts as the sun starts to set
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Long eared owls are quiet fast low light hunters Long eared owls are quiet fast low light hunters
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Long eared owls sleep all day long around nest Long eared owls sleep all day long around nest
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Here is a better view of the nest compared to long eared owls' size Here is a better view of the nest compared to long eared owls' size
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They are motion less during daytime. They are motion less during daytime.
The Long-eared Owl's breeding season is from February to July. This bird is partially migratory, moving south in winter from the northern parts of its temperate range. Its habitat is forest close to open country.
It nests in trees, often coniferous, using the old stick nests of other birds such as crows, ravens and magpies and various hawks. The average clutch size is 4-6 eggs, and the incubation time averages from 25-30 days. It will readily use artificial nesting baskets. An unusual characteristic of this species is its communal nesting in thickets during the winter months.
The Long-eared Owl hunts over open country by night. It is very long winged, like the similar Short-eared Owl, and glides slowly on stiff wings when hunting. Its food is mainly rodents, small mammals, and birds.
