Short-eared Owl

Whether witnessing their aeronautical flight displays over open fields at dusk or cruising a few feet above the ground in search of prey Short-eared Owls are sure fun to watch and photograph.

For us this winter was a slightly above average year for finding Shorties. In total we seen 25 different owls.

Shorties are widely distributed all over the world and live in grasslands, meadows, marshes and open woodlands. They are found in all Canadian provinces.

Shorties measure about 15” in height and have a wingspan around 38”. Mottled brown in colour with thin streaks on a pale chest. Females are slightly larger and darker.

In spring females lay an average four to seven eggs in ground nests and incubate for 27 days.

The Short-eared Owl is diurnal although hunts mostly at dawn or dusk.

Diet consists of small mammals and sometimes birds.