Short-eared Owl

The short-eared owl is a widespread grassland owl, 34–43 cm long with a wingspan of 85–110 cm and a weight of 206–475 g. Its plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings, and its bill is short, strong, hooked and black. Owls of its genus are called eared owls because of their tufts of feathers, but the short-eared's tufts are very short and usually not visible; it displays them in a defensive pose (Wikipedia, general species account).

It is found in open country and grasslands and is often seen flying about in early morning or late in the day as it hunts over open habitats. It breeds in Europe, Asia, North and South America, the Caribbean, Hawaii and the Galápagos, and is partially migratory, moving south in winter from the northern part of its range. A typical clutch is four to seven white eggs, but up to a dozen in years when voles are abundant. Its call is a scratchy bark, and a loud eeee-yerp is heard on the breeding grounds (Wikipedia, general species account).