Long-eared owls are medium-sized owls that can be found across much of North America. Their distinctive ear tufts and orange eyes make them easily recognizable. While long-eared owls inhabit many states, their presence in California requires some investigation.
Quick Facts on Long-Eared Owls
Here are some key facts about long-eared owls:
- Scientific name: Asio otus
- Average length: 13-16 inches
- Wingspan: 3.5 feet
- Coloration: mottled brown, buff, and black
- Distinctive ear tufts up to 2 inches long
- Feed mostly on small mammals like voles, mice, and rabbits
- Nest on the ground concealed by vegetation
- Nocturnal hunters with excellent hearing
- Breed between March and July
- Migratory in northern parts of range
Long-Eared Owl Habitat
Long-eared owls inhabit open country across much of North America. They prefer areas with some trees or shrubs for roosting and nesting. Typical habitats include:
- Mixed woodlands near open fields for hunting
- Forest edges and clearings
- Shelterbelts and riparian corridors
- Semi-open country with scattered trees and shrubs
- Areas with gullies, ditches, and ravines for nesting
In western North America, long-eared owls are often associated with riverine habitats and denser thickets of trees and shrubs. They generally avoid expansive open areas like grasslands or deserts.
Long-Eared Owl Range
Long-eared owls have an extensive range across much of North America:
- Breed from coastal British Columbia across Canada to Nova Scotia
- South throughout the western United States into Mexico
- East throughout the Midwest and Great Lakes region
- Along the eastern seaboard into Florida
- Migrate south in winter from Canada and northern U.S.
In general, long-eared owls inhabit mixed open woodlands, edges, clearings, and semi-open habitats across their range. Their presence depends on availability of nesting sites, roosts, and prey abundance.
Long-Eared Owls in California
In California, long-eared owls occur year-round but are relatively uncommon. They are found in small numbers throughout much of the state except for the Central Valley and Mojave Desert. Typical habitats used in California include:
- Oak woodlands
- Riparian forests along rivers and streams
- Chaparral and scrublands
- Forest openings and edges
- Agricultural areas with scattered trees
Coastal northern California, the Sierra Nevadas, and other forested areas provide optimal habitat. Long-eared owls are rare and local in southern California. Their presence depends on finding patches of appropriate habitat.
Long-Eared Owl Population in California
There are no definitive statewide population estimates for long-eared owls in California. They are considered an uncommon resident throughout their range in the state. Their populations are smaller and more localized compared to other owl species like the great horned owl or barn owl.
Threats such as habitat loss and fragmentation have likely caused declines in long-eared owls in California over the past century. However, a lack of historical data makes it difficult to quantify potential changes in their populations. Currently, there are no special conservation statuses for long-eared owls in California.
Best Places to See Long-Eared Owls in California
Here are some of the top places to potentially spot long-eared owls in California:
- North Coast Ranges – Riparian forests and oak woodlands
- Sierra Nevada Foothills – Oak savannas and chaparral forests
- Yosemite National Park – Open ponderosa pine forests
- Northern Central Valley – Sparse oak groves and riparian areas
- Klamath Mountains – Mixed evergreen forests
Coastal areas from Mendocino to Humboldt County provide some of the best long-eared owl habitat. They can also turn up in smaller woodlands, shelterbelts, and riparian corridors in agricultural areas of the Central Valley.
Long-Eared Owl Nesting and Breeding
Long-eared owls nest on the ground concealed in vegetation. The female typically lays 3-7 eggs between March and July. The eggs hatch after about 4 weeks with the young taking their first flights at 4-5 weeks old.
Pairs may nest alone or in loose colonies. Nests are often located in sheltered spots like gullies, ravines, or tree clusters. Males frequently continue to feed the fledglings and females after leaving the nest.
Long-Eared Owl Diet
Long-eared owls are nocturnal hunters that feed mainly on small mammals. Voles, mice, rats, rabbits, pocket gophers, and shrews make up the bulk of their diet. They hunt primarily by stealth, perching and waiting to ambush prey detected by their acute hearing.
On occasion, long-eared owls may also prey on small birds, bats, lizards, frogs, and large insects. Compared to other owls, they have relatively weak talons for their size, relying more on speed and stealth to capture prey.
Long-Eared Owl Hunting Adaptations
Long-eared owls possess several key adaptations that aid their hunting success:
- Asymmetrical Ear Placement – Their offset ear tufts allow them to precisely locate prey by sound.
- Camouflage – Their mottled brown plumage lets them blend into roosts while hunting.
- Acute Hearing – They can detect prey from over 200 feet away in complete darkness.
- Stealth Flight – Specialized wing feathers allow nearly silent flight.
- Speed and Agility – Excellent night vision and quick reflexes help them capture prey.
These adaptations make long-eared owls highly effective nocturnal predators even in dense cover or complete darkness.
Long-Eared Owl Threats and Conservation
Long-eared owl populations face a number of threats across their range:
- Habitat loss – Loss of nesting sites and hunting perches impacts populations.
- Development – Human disturbance near nests may cause abandonment.
- Vehicle collisions – Owls hunting near roads are vulnerable.
- Pesticides – Chemicals can accumulate in prey species and poison owls.
- Climate change – May alter prey populations and vegetation structure.
A network of protected habitats is important for long-eared owl conservation. Providing undisturbed nesting sites, maintaining corridors between habitat patches, and reducing pesticide use can help preserve populations.
Long-Eared Owl Protected Status
Currently, long-eared owls have no special conservation status or protections in California or most other states. However, they are classified as a Species of Special Concern in several western states including:
- Colorado
- Montana
- New Mexico
- Utah
- Wyoming
This status recognizes declining or vulnerable populations that warrant monitoring. Long-eared owls are also protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act which prohibits harming or harassing the species.
Efforts to Conserve Long-Eared Owls
Some efforts to protect and boost long-eared owl populations include:
- Preserving riparian habitats and woodland corridors
- Nest box programs on protected lands
- Reducing rodenticide and pesticide use near owl habitats
- Managing forests and grasslands to improve prey densities
- Minimizing disturbances near nests during breeding season
Outreach campaigns to reduce vehicle collisions and illegal shooting also help conserve long-eared owl numbers. Continued monitoring is needed to better understand populations and habitat use in California.
Observing Long-Eared Owls in California
Seeing a long-eared owl in California takes some planning and luck given their inconspicuous nature. Here are some tips to increase your chances:
- Focus on finding habitats like oak woodlands or riparian forests.
- Listen for territorial hooting in February-March during courtship.
- Search for whitewash and pellets around potential roost trees.
- Use owl calls sparingly to elicit responses without disturbing them.
- Scan dense thickets and forest edges at dawn and dusk.
- Check potential nest sites in tree clusters or ravines for activity.
Prime areas to spot long-eared owls include Bidwell Park in Chico and oak forests in Napa and Sonoma. Aim for early morning outings before owls retreat to roosts for the day. With some fieldcraft, you stand a good chance of observing these cryptic owls in the appropriate habitats.
Summary Facts on Long-Eared Owls in California
In summary, key facts about long-eared owls in California include:
- Occur year-round but are uncommon and local in distribution.
- Found primarily in scattered oak woodlands, riparian forests, and scrublands.
- Population densities low compared to other owl species.
- No special conservation status but face threats from habitat loss and disturbance.
- Best spotted in northern coastal forests and Sierra foothills.
- Nocturnal hunters preying mainly on voles, mice and other small mammals.
While elusive, long-eared owls can be observed by exploring appropriate habitats, especially at dawn and dusk. Protecting nesting sites and hunting perches will help maintain California’s populations.
Conclusion
Long-eared owls inhabit mixed open woodlands and semi-open habitats across much of North America. In California, they occur statewide but are relatively uncommon residents. Scattered populations persist in oak forests, riparian areas, scrublands, and other semi-open habitats. Their presence depends on availability of secluded nest sites and adequate prey. While protected in California, habitat loss and disturbance remain threats to populations. Spotting a long-eared owl requires searching appropriate habitats, especially at dawn and dusk. Careful management of nesting and foraging sites will help conserve these raptors across their California range.
