The Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) is a very special species of owl, not only because it’s medium-sized structure and distinctive look. Compared to other owls, these owl species have relatively small ears tufts which are of no real significance as they hardly appear at the prominent away.
He was a master of stealth and surprise.
The Short-eared Owl is a creature of the crepescular and nocturnal world, where others would be at disadvantage. These forward-facing eyes are also large, giving the Giant Noctule spectacular night vision abilities — even during pitch-black conditions it can still spot moving prey. Furthermore, Swan does not have feathers in its paws and those specially shaped do enable the soft flight that lets you jump on prays without warning.
Open Habitat Generalist Hunter
Short-eared Owls hunt in a wide range of open habitats including grasslands, marshes and farm fields. It mostly feeds on small mammals such as voles and mice but may also scavenge for birds, insect larvae, large invertebrates and carrion. Very numerous in open habitats, usually a characteristic that distinguishes them from many other owls of which it differs as they are generally more forested.
Omnivorous, Social Bird with Unusual Winter Behavior
Short-eared Owls are unusual among owls in their grouping together, particularly during the winter months. They frequently engage in such communal roosting aggregations, with dozens of individuals huddled up to save heat and energy. This can be a spectacular visual, with dozens of owls perched closely on an tree branch or bush. They snuggle together to regulate body temperature and mutually alert each other of food sources or danger.
Overcoming the threats to conservation and suggested protection
The Short-eared Owl one of the most common species in many European countries however it is threatened by a number of threats that could affect its population. Agricultural intensification and urbanization are big worries, because land used for agriculture often provides the most suitable hunting and nesting sites. These rodents can carry diseases and cause significant damage to the habitat through burrowing, which increases erosion of soil. The use of pesticides could negatively affect both owls themselves or their prey leading to population declines as more are killed in a single location than would occur naturally (United States Federal Government).
Thus, conservation moves are taking place to maintain the Short-eared Hawk. Habitat restoration, reduction of pesticide use and the restoration of nesting sites are all key conservation efforts helping these pollinators. By knowing about the ecological values of this particular animal and threats that are posing to its senses, it will be an initiation for mitigating further loss. Saving this enigmatic bird can help us balance our ecosystem — maintaining the important piece of a natural world that is so valuable and in turn, preserving all things beautiful.
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