Written by Peter Pearsall/Photo by Rick Vetter
Long-eared owls are cryptic nocturnal hunters, found year-round at Malheur Refuge but seldom encountered. Named for the prominent tufts of feathers on their heads (which resemble ears but are actually not related to hearing), long-eared owls favor willow thickets or woodland edges for daytime roosting, often near open fields or grasslands where they hunt.
In North America, these owls breed from southern Canada through much of the U.S., wintering farther south in Mexico and the southwestern states. They often use old stick nests built by other birds, such as crows, hawks, or magpies. They may form loose nesting colonies, especially when food is abundant.
They are partial migrants—some populations move seasonally, while others remain year-round depending on local climate and food availability. They are notably social in winter, forming communal roosts where a dozen or more owls may gather in a single tree—a rare trait among owls.
When threatened, long-eared owls will stretch their bodies vertically and compress their feathers to appear thinner—blending seamlessly into tree trunks and branches.
Like many owls, long-eared owls are nocturnal predators, using silent flight and acute hearing to catch prey. They primarily feed on small mammals, especially voles, mice, and shrews, but will also take small birds and insects when available. Their hearing is aided by asymmetrical ear placement, allowing them to triangulate sounds with remarkable accuracy—even under snow or vegetation.
While not currently considered globally threatened, long-eared owls are difficult to monitor due to their secretive habits and nocturnal activity. Habitat loss, particularly the clearing of woodlands and the decline of grasslands, poses long-term threats.
