Bird Gallery Index

Short-eared Owl image © Greg Lavaty

Family: (Strigidae) Owls

Preferred Habitat: Prairies.

Seasonal Occurrence: Uncommon spring through fall.

Notes: The Short-eared Owl breeds in the tundras and grasslands of Canada and the northwest U.S. It is found in the prairies and grasslands of our area primarily in winter. This species is partly diurnal and may be found hunting in the late afternoon. Females are slightly larger than males; their plumage is similar but chests of females have more rust coloring and their backs are darker. Their call has been described as a scratchy barking. Population numbers of the Short-eared Owl are in serious decline in much of its territory and it has been placed on the Audubon WatchList. Audubon WatchList article. Best places to search for Short-eared Owls include the Katy Prairie and the grasslands of Chambers County.
- Susan Billetdeaux