The short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) is a medium-sized owl found throughout Iceland. It gets its name from the small, barely noticeable ear tufts on the top of its head. The short-eared owl is known for its distinctive hunting behavior and amazing migratory journeys. In Iceland, the short-eared owl can be found in open habitats like marshes, grasslands, shrublands, and tundra during the spring and summer breeding season. This owl is considered a rare breeder in Iceland with an estimated population of only 100-300 pairs. While scarce, the short-eared owl plays an important role as a top predator in Iceland’s ecosystems.
Physical Description
The short-eared owl is a medium-sized owl with prominent yellow eyes. Adults have brown upperparts with spotting and barring. The underparts are lighter buff or whitish with brown streaking. As their name suggests, the ear tufts of short-eared owls are very short and difficult to see. The tufts are usually only raised when the owl feels threatened.
These owls have relatively long and broad wings compared to many other owl species. Their wings allow them to fly slowly and maneuver well in open areas when hunting. Short-eared owls have a wingspan of about 3.5 feet (1.1 m). Females are typically larger than males. The average short-eared owl is 13-17 inches (33-43 cm) tall and weighs 1-2 pounds (0.5-0.9 kg).
Distinguishing Features
– Small ear tufts
– Yellow eyes
– Long, broad wings
– Brown and buff coloration with streaking
Habitat and Range
The short-eared owl has an extremely widespread range. They can be found throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. These owls occur in Iceland, Scandinavia, Russia, China, Mongolia, and Japan.
In Iceland, short-eared owls breed in the northern and eastern parts of the country. They frequent open habitats like grasslands, marshes, bogs, heaths, and shrublands. During the winter, Icelandic short-eared owls may migrate south or remain in the country if sufficient food is available.
Preferred Habitats
– Marshes
– Grasslands
– Tundra
– Agricultural areas
Diet and Hunting
The short-eared owl is an opportunistic predator that eats mostly small mammals and some birds, insects, and reptiles. Voles comprise the majority of this owl’s diet in Iceland. They also prey on mice, shrews, rats, young rabbits, small birds like larks and pipits, amphibians, and insects.
Short-eared owls hunt mostly at dawn and dusk as well as during the day. Their distinctive hunting behavior consists of prolonged hovering flight and coursing low over open ground when searching for prey. Once prey is spotted, they dive down swiftly to grab it with their talons.
Common Prey in Iceland
| Prey | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Field Vole | Microtus agrestis |
| Wood Mouse | Apodemus sylvaticus |
| Meadow Pipit | Anthus pratensis |
Breeding and Nesting
The breeding season for short-eared owls in Iceland is from April to July. They nest on the ground, typically in areas with tall vegetation that provides cover. The female lays a clutch of 4-7 eggs which she incubates for 21-37 days. The male hunts and brings food back to the nest.
The downy chicks hatch with closed eyes and rely on the parents for warmth, protection, and food. They start branching out from the nest at around 2 weeks old and learn to fly by 4-5 weeks. The young owlets become independent and disperse after about a month and a half.
Nesting Facts:
– Clutch Size: 4-7 eggs
– Incubation Period: 21-37 days
– Fledging Period: 4-5 weeks
Population and Conservation
The global short-eared owl population is estimated at over 5 million mature individuals. However, populations in certain regions are declining. The short-eared owl is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List but does face some threats.
In Iceland, short-eared owls have a very limited breeding population of just 100-300 pairs. They are considered a rare breeder in the country. Loss of habitat is one of the biggest threats to their Icelandic population. Draining wetlands for agriculture and development removes crucial nesting and hunting grounds. Collisions with vehicles also contribute to owl fatalities in Iceland.
While still rare, increased conservation efforts have helped stabilize Iceland’s short-eared owl population. Designating protected wetland areas and reducing vehicle collisions through methods like road signs in owl territories can support ongoing protection. Continued monitoring of breeding and wintering numbers is also important. With appropriate conservation measures, Iceland’s small but important population of short-eared owls can be preserved.
Relationship with Humans
Short-eared owls tend to avoid human activity when possible. However, they may nest and hunt near agricultural areas, airports, and grasslands managed by grazing or burning. Their willingness to live close to human-impacted habitats demonstrates their adaptability.
These owls may be viewed as a threat by farmers and ranchers because they sometimes prey on small livestock like young chickens. Poisoning and shooting have occurred, but are now illegal in many regions. Overall, short-eared owls do not pose a major problem for human interests.
Birdwatchers actively seek out short-eared owls to admire their graceful flight and interesting daytime hunting. Seeing one hover and dive for prey is a rewarding sight. As an uncommon species in Iceland, sightings draw interest from birding tourists.
Fun Facts
– Also known as the “grass owl” for its preference for open grassland habitats.
– The genus name “Asio” means “horned owl” in Greek, while “flammeus” is Latin for “flame-colored”.
– Short-eared owls are highly nomadic and may wander very widely outside the breeding season. One banded owl in the US was found over 2,500 miles (4,000 km) away from its banding site.
– Their ears are placed asymmetrically, allowing the owl to precisely locate prey based on small differences in the timing and intensity of sounds.
– Short-eared owls are highly territorial during breeding. Intruders may be chased for over a mile.
Summary
The short-eared owl is a medium-sized, ground-nesting owl named for its barely noticeable ear tufts. It has a broad circumpolar distribution and inhabits open areas like marshes, grasslands, and tundra. Short-eared owls are specialist predators of small mammals, especially voles. They hunt by coursing low over the ground and hovering in flight to spot prey.
Iceland hosts a small breeding population of short-eared owls, generally in the northern and eastern parts of the country. They are considered a rare nester with around 100-300 pairs. Conservation efforts have helped stabilize numbers after previous declines due to habitat loss. Ongoing protection of wetlands and reduced vehicle collisions are important for the preservation of Iceland’s short-eared owls. Though elusive, catching sight of one of these remarkable owls hovering over the Icelandic landscape remains an exceptional experience.
