Short-eared Owl Watching in Oregon

The Short-eared Owl is in the family known as Typical Owls, and they are present in Oregon, though not especially common. They are a similar size to the more common Barn Owl, usually between 13 and 17 inches tall as adults. They are normally brown with a pale chest, and their head is smaller than the Barn Owl, which makes them easy to tell apart.Short-eared Owls generally prefer to eat small rodents, but will occassionally eat other small animals or even birds. They usually fly only a few feet off the ground when they are hunting, and their irregular wing beats result in a noticeably floppy style of flight. Similar to most other owls, the Short-eared tends to be nocturnal, but they have been known to hunt at all hours if rodents are more active during the day.

Habitats for Short-eared Owls

The Short-eared Owl will nest on the ground in areas of low vegetation. They prefer to hunt over meadows and fields, swooping down on their prey feet-first.

Best seasons to see Short-eared Owls in Oregon

Some Short-eared Owls live year round in Oregon, but in others areas, including the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, they are only present during winter and spring. They aren't especially common in most of the state at any time of the year.

Short-eared Owls in Oregon summary

Typical habitat: Grasslands and fields
Seasons: Winter and spring are best
Abundance: Generally rare through most of the state

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