The Long-eared Owl (Asio otus), called Waldohreule in German is a mid-sized and unusual looking type of owl. What makes it very distinctive are the ear tufts from which – guess what -it gets its name. But…but…those are not ears, they’re tufts of feathers.
A Nocturnal Hunter
Long-eared Owls are mostly nocturnal. This is one of many owl species that hunt only at night time. With its great vision at night and noiseless flight, it can hunt as well after dark. Their diet is dominated by small rodents such as voles and mice, but they also prey on birds, insects and other small animals. Its facial disk, like a satellite dish concentrating signal waves towards an antenna, enhanced the sounds of moving prey in either birch or sagebrush-dark.
Social Behavior
Like all owls Long-eared Owls are generally unsocia1 but in winter they tend to be gregarious individuals, sometimes roosting and hunting communally. In the wild, they tend to bed down in large semi-communal roosts consisting of dozens of individuals—no doubt for reasons both related and unrelated to energy conservation. These communal roosts can be very impressive, as large numbers of owls often huddle together high in a tree or bush. This social behavior not only serves to keep the owls warm, but helps them exchange information about food sources and dangers.
Breeding and Reproduction
BREEDING: Long-eared Owls breed mostly in early spring. The female lays the eggs and incubates them, being brought food by her mate who also provides for all owlets when born. The owlets are altricial, born blind and helpless. Until they old enough to catch and eat by themselves, the puppies will need their parents for food and for warmth.
Conservation Status
Also, known as the Long-eared Owl is widespread and relatively common in many parts of Europe but under various pressures including loss of habitat through changes to forestry practice pesticide use rodenticide activities traffic casualties. Of most concern is habitat destruction, especially the loss of suitable nesting sites. Pesticides can kill owls and their food sources, while car-collisions account for substantial numbers of casualties near forest roads.
Despite conservation efforts to protect the Long-eared Owl. These efforts involve things like habitat restoration, reduction of pesticide use and providing nest boxes. This gives us a better opportunity to continue with conservation practices for the Long-eared Owl after studying characteristics and ecological role of this species, accompanied by analysis on threats she faces.