Breeding birds: 1,800-6,000 pairs
Family: Owls
The long-eared owl has brown and buff plumage that is heavily barred and mottled. The upperparts are mottled with black, buff, brown, and white, with white scapulars, while the underparts are pale grey or buff, marked with brown vertical streaks and barring.
It has a long tail and rounded wings, which cross over at the back when the bird is perched. The head is large and rounded, with two long, dark ear tufts positioned centrally on the crown. These are usually raised when the owl is alert but lie flat and are hidden in flight.
The facial disc is rusty-brown with black and grey edging. The eyebrows and lores are white, and two white lines often run down the face through the bill, sometimes forming a malar stripe. The eyes are orange or yellow, the bill is black, and the legs and feet are feathered.
The female is generally darker, more richly coloured, and larger than the male.
Juveniles resemble adults but have softer, fluffier plumage.
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Long-eared owls nest in woods in dense vegetation. They breed between February and July and produce one brood per season. They will usually use abandoned nests made from sticks, built by other species.
Long-eared owls lay 4-5 white, smooth, glossy eggs which are incubated by the female alone for 25-30 days. She will remain at the nest all day but will take short breaks at night. The male will bring her food.
The chicks are semi-altricial and are brooded by the female for 2 weeks. They leave the nest at 3 weeks but are unable to fly and stay on nearby branches. At about 35 days after hatching they make short flights and become independent at 10-11 weeks. They reach sexual maturity at one year.
Long-eared owls prey on small mammals weighing less than 100 g, such as voles, juvenile rabbits, and rats. They may also eat small birds, snakes, and lizards.
Long-eared owls can be seen all year round. They are nocturnal and secretive so unlikely to be seen except during migration in coastal areas, or when returning to a roosting site in winter.
Long-eared owls make highly variable vocalizations. A study in Michigan recorded long-eared owls making 23 different sounds and they are considered the most diverse vocalists of all owl species in the Northern hemisphere.
