The long-eared owl (or Asio otus), also known as the Northern long-eared owl, lesser horned owl, or cat owl, is a medium-sized owl found across much of Europe, Asia, North America, and parts of North Africa. It inhabits woodlands, forests and dense thickets, often near open grasslands or meadows where it can hunt small mammals such as voles and mice.
The long-eared owl has tall, upright ear tufts, orange eyes and mottled brown plumage.
Females are typically larger than males, at a height of 27cm to 40cm and a wingspan of 90cm to 100cm and weight of 260g to 435g. Males are 25cm to 37cm tall, have a wingspan of 84cm to 95cm and weigh between 220g and 305g.
Age-based hierarchy in communal non-breeding roosts
Guests Can Walk Through
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For most of the breeding season, long-eared owls are territorial and solitary, with pairs viciously defending their nesting areas from other owls. However, outside of the breeding period, they often gather in communal roosts in groups of up to 20 owls. These communal roosts offer protection from predators, shelter from harsh weather and help the owls find good hunting areas nearby.
Enrichments
Food-Based Enrichments
Bamboo Feeder
Perch Feeder
Skittle Feeder
Habitat Enrichments
Cardboard Box
Perch 01
Perch 02
Shredding Perch
Rubber Snake
Suspended Perch
Conservation Topics
Forest Ecosystem Ambience
Nocturnal Behaviour
Habitat Loss
Wildlife Poisoning
Carnivore Diet
Bird Evolution
Long-Eared Owl Fact Sheet
Flying Animals
Lives of Birds Talk
Ecological Restoration
Long-Eared Owl Name Plate
Lifecycle
For most of the breeding season, long-eared owls are territorial and solitary, with pairs viciously defending their nesting areas from other owls. However, outside of the breeding period, they often gather in communal roosts in groups of up to 20 owls. These communal roosts offer protection from predators, shelter from harsh weather and help the owls find good hunting areas nearby.
The courtship and mating behaviour of the long-eared owl takes place in late winter or early spring, when males establish territories and attract females through a combination of vocal and aerial displays. Sometimes males may present food to potential mates as part of pair-bonding. Pairs remain monogamous for the breeding season, but long-eared owls typically do not mate with the same partner every year. Pairs will then search for an abandoned nest rather than building their own.
The female lays a clutch of 4 to 6 eggs on average, though clutches may range from 2 to 10 eggs in total. She incubates the eggs for around 25 to 30 days while the male provides her with food. After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for about 3 weeks before leaving it to perch on nearby branches while still being fed by their parents. They become fully fledged at roughly 5 weeks of age and usually disperse from the breeding area by late summer.
Long-eared owls reach sexual maturity at 1 year old, though many may not breed immediately in the next breeding season if conditions are not favourable.
Colourmorphs
Albino
Statistics
Litter Size
2-4
Gestation / Incubation Period
0 months
Interbirth Period
12 months
Reproduction Difficulty
Easy
Age Of Sexual Sterility
Death
Age Of Sexual Maturity
1 years
Juvenile1 years
Adult8 years
Elderly4 years
Animal Facts
The long-eared owl frequently uses old nests built by other birds, especially crows or magpies.
The ‘long ears’ of the long-eared owl aren’t actually ears but feathers used for camouflage and communication.
The long-eared owl has specialised feathers with soft, fringed edges that make their flight nearly silent and allow them to approach prey undetected.
Long-eared owl populations living in colder northern regions migrate south in winter, while those in milder climates tend to stay year-round.
The long-eared owl is extremely well camouflaged and tends to roost quietly in dense conifer trees during the day, often going unnoticed even when perched close to humans.
Conservation
Long-eared owls are numerous and of Least Concern, but population numbers are generally in decline. They rely on dense woodland for nesting, and open grassland for hunting, but removal of hedgerows, clearing of woodland and agricultural intensification have reduced available breeding and foraging grounds. Secondary poisoning by rodenticide used to target rats is another serious threat for all raptors. Power line and vehicle conditions can further cause owl deaths in urbanised areas.
The main focus in long-eared owl conservation lies on habitat protection and restoration, as well as responsible land management. Preservation of mixed woodland and grassland mosaics and the supply of artificial nesting opportunities support existing populations. The reduced use of harmful rodenticides in favour of wildlife-friendly pest control methods is also an important measure. Public awareness campaigns focus on highlighting the important role owls play in maintaining a balanced ecosystem that supports predators, prey and humans.
Native Range
Northern hemisphere
Statistics
Wild Population
2,200,000 - 3,700,000
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Valid Reserves
Scottish Highlands
Sweden Reserve
Poland Reserve
Valid Release Group Types
Female Bachelor Herd
Solitary Male
Breeding Partners
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Planet Zoo 2 is in active development and the Zoopedia reflects this work in progress. Text, images, stats etc. are not necessarily final and may change or be expanded upon.
Bamboo Feeder
Perch Feeder
Skittle Feeder
Cardboard Box
Perch 01
Perch 02
Shredding Perch
Rubber Snake
Suspended Perch
