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Range
Alaska south to central
California, and east across North Central states. Non-resident
in Virginia, but winters here in limited numbers.
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Size
| Length |
13-16
inches |
| Wingspan |
38-44 inches |
| Weight |
about 1 pound |
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Habitat
Grass fields and meadows, woodlands, marshes,
moors, dunes and other open country.
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Diet
Small mammals, chiefly mice and voles; insects,
small birds, etc.
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Characteristics
Uncommon owl; rapidly vanishing from many nesting
areas. Very long wings for the size of the owl. Known
for long nomadic flights, sometimes over the ocean. Hunts
standing on the ground, where it blends in perfectly.
Has uncanny ability to sense rodent population explosions.
Nests on the ground, sometimes in loose colonies, often
close to Northern harriers. Call is a low pitched hollow
hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo; will also hiss and snap the bill.
Short Eared Owls are the night counterpart of the Northern
Harrier or Marsh Hawk. They hunt in meadows, either
by coursing low over the terrain or by standing on the
ground and waiting for prey to come by. Short Eared
Owls are found in Virginia during the winter months,
but are believed to migrate to Canada and northern US
states to breed. They have very long wings for their
size, and very soft feathers. They are reportedly one
of the most intelligent of the owls, and are a wonderful
education bird.
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