Long-eared Owl
Asio otus
Family: Strigidae
The Long-eared Owl is arguably one of the most social of all owl species, seemingly only exhibiting territorial behaviour close to their nests and wintering in day roosts that can vary from a few owls to several hundred individuals. This species is not confined to North America but rather found all around the temperate forests and meadow complexes of the northern Hemisphere. This species is one of relatively few owls that are truly migratory; for example, North American nesting Long-eared Owls retreat as far as southern Mexico in winter.
Being so widespread, the Long-eared Owl is considered Least Concern globally. It is common in some parts of Canada in the nesting season, although there is considerable annual variation, presumably due to changes in prey availability. Data for this shy species are sparse and difficult to interpret due to its somewhat irruptive and nomadic behaviour. To date, many Canadian Nocturnal Owl Surveys have generally not been analyzed for trend. Nonetheless, indications of population decline in North America have put this species on the PIF yellow watchlist. Threats are thought to include changing forest conditions, agricultural intensification, urban expansion, rodenticides, and, at least in western U.S.A., loss of riparian habitat.
Primary Habitats:
Breeding: Forest generalistWintering: Forest generalist
Major Threats:
Changing Forest Conditions, Climate Change
Conservation Status:
Population Loss Since 1970: 91%
Urgency/Half Life: N/A
Global Conservation Status: IUCN 2019-1 – Least Concern
U.S. Conservation Status: N/A
Canadian Conservation Status: N/A
Birds of Conservation Concern: USFWS – Bird of Conservation Concern
Conservation Responsibilities:
| Region | Area Importance | Long-Term Population Change | Half-Life |
| Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture | AI = 5 | *** | *** |
| Sonoran Joint Venture | AI = 4 | *** | *** |
| Upper Mississippi River/Great Lakes Region Joint Venture | AI = 5 | *** | *** |
*** indicates insufficient or unreliable data to calculate a regional long-term change or half-life estimate.
AI=# indicates the area importance for wintering populations on a scale from 1 to 5.
Conservation Opportunities:
Participate in a Nocturnal Owl Survey (Canada)
Species Conservation Plans:
Key Species References:
Peer Reviewed Papers:
Marks, J. S., D. L. Evans, and D. W. Holt. 1994. Long-eared Owl (Asio otus). The Birds of North America. Edited by P. G. Rodewald. Retrieved from: https://birdsna.org/Species-Account/bna/species/loeowl DOI: 10.2173/bna.133.
Management Guide:
