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Difference between revisions of "Short-eared Owl" - BirdForum Opus

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'''Alternative name: Pueo'''
 
'''Alternative name: Pueo'''
[[Image:Short-eared_Owl.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Subspecies ''flammeus''<br />Photo by {{user|BigSkyBirds|BigSkyBirds}}<br />Location: Ranch land north of Great Falls, [[Montana]], [[USA]]]]
+
[[Image:Short-eared_Owl.jpg|thumb|550px|right|''A. f. flammeus''<br />Photo &copy; by {{user|BigSkyBirds|BigSkyBirds}}<br />Location: Ranch land north of Great Falls, [[Montana]], [[USA]]]]
 
;[[:Category:Asio|Asio]] flammeus
 
;[[:Category:Asio|Asio]] flammeus
 
==Identification==
 
==Identification==
L. 33-40 cm W. 95-105 cm
+
L. 33-40 cm (13-15¾ in); Wing span: 95-105 cm (34½-41¼ in)
 
*Bright yellow eyes
 
*Bright yellow eyes
 
*Rather plain face with dark circles around the eye
 
*Rather plain face with dark circles around the eye
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In flight shows strong black area at wrist both above and on underwing, and distinct, coarse dark barring at the tips of the primaries; between these is an area on the upper wing where the base of the primaries is unbarred rusty-yellow, in good contrast to the surrounding black.
 
In flight shows strong black area at wrist both above and on underwing, and distinct, coarse dark barring at the tips of the primaries; between these is an area on the upper wing where the base of the primaries is unbarred rusty-yellow, in good contrast to the surrounding black.
 
+
[[Image:Galapagos_Owl.jpg|thumb|350px|right|''A. f. galapogoensis''<br />Photo &copy; by {{user|docsevo|docsevo}}<br />[[Galapagos Islands]]]]
 
====Similar Species====
 
====Similar Species====
 
 
It can be confused with [[Long-eared Owl]] which is normally but not always nocturnal, and is mostly found in forested areas. Long-eared has more uniform underside when perched and lack the black area around the eyes.
 
It can be confused with [[Long-eared Owl]] which is normally but not always nocturnal, and is mostly found in forested areas. Long-eared has more uniform underside when perched and lack the black area around the eyes.
  
In flight, the wings are not quite as long and the base of the primaries contrast less sharply with the surrounding black because of narrower dark barring that is spreading into the base of the primaries and because the base of the primaries are generally darker on this species.  
+
In flight, the wings are not quite as long and the base of the primaries contrast less sharply with the surrounding black because of narrower dark barring that is spreading into the base of the primaries and because the base of the primaries are generally darker on this species. <br />
<br />
 
*''Notice that the Identification fields are written to fit the situation in Europe''; some variation within the species is covered in the Taxonomy section.
 
  
 +
*''Note that the Identification fields are written to fit the situation in Europe''; some variation within the species is covered in the Taxonomy section.
 
==Distribution==
 
==Distribution==
Widely distributed as a breeding bird in northern [[Europe]], northern [[Asia]], [[North America|North]] and [[South America]]. The nominate subspecies is mainly migratory, with some southern populations more sedentary; southernmost populations of subspecies ''suinda'' (southern South America) migrates north in winter while most other subspecies are resident. Due to this migration, the species is found in southern Europe and northernmost [[Africa]], parts of [[India]] and southern Asia in winter. The species is completely absent from [[Africa]] south of Sahara, [[Australia]], and parts of south and south-east Asia.
+
Widely distributed as a breeding bird in northern [[Europe]], northern [[Asia]], [[North America|North]] and [[South America]]. The nominate subspecies is mainly migratory, with some southern populations more sedentary; southernmost populations of subspecies ''A. f. suinda'' (southern [[South America]]) migrates north in winter while most other subspecies are resident. Due to this migration, during the northern hemisphere winter the species is found in southern Europe, [[Africa]] (as far south as [[Gambia]], [[Mali]] and [[Chad]]), parts of [[India]] and southern [[Asia]]. The species is completely absent from [[Australia]], and parts of south and south-east [[Asia]].
[[Image:Galapagos_Owl.jpg|thumb|450px|right|Subspecies ''galapogoensis''<br />Photo by {{user|docsevo|docsevo}}<br />Location: [[Galapagos Islands]]]]
+
 
 
==Taxonomy==  
 
==Taxonomy==  
König et al. in "Owls" recognize 8 different subspecies, with others relegated to being synonymes:  
+
[[Image:short_eared_owl_alok.JPG|thumb|350px|right|Nominate subspecies wintering in [[India]]<br />Photo &copy; by {{user|aloktewari|Alok Tewari}}<br />Gurgaon Rural, Haryana, North-west [[India]], January-2019]]
*''flammeus'' -- the nominate subspecies is widely distributed breeding from [[Britain]] and [[Europe]] through [[Asia]] and America south to [[California]] and [[North Carolina]]. In [[Britain]] local in N, sporadic in S.  
+
There are 8<sup>[[#References|[2]]]</sup> to 10<sup>[[#References|[1]]]</sup> subspecies:
*''sandwichensis'' of [[Hawaii]], commonly referred to by its Hawaiian name "pueo", is smaller than most nominate birds.  
+
*''A. f. flammeus'' -- the nominate subspecies is widely distributed breeding from [[Britain]] and [[Europe]] through [[Asia]] and America south to [[California]] and [[North Carolina]]. In [[Britain]] local in north, sporadic in south.  
*''domingensis'' is a small subspecies (12% smaller than nominate) which is resident in [[Hispaniola]] and [[Puerto Rico]], and with records from [[Cuba]] as well; this subspecies may overlap with wintering nominate birds, but in breeding season is quite isolated from other forms. Some authorities recognize ''portoricensis'' for the birds in Puerto Rico.  
+
*''A. f. sandwichensis'' of [[Hawaii]], commonly referred to by its Hawaiian name "pueo", is smaller than most nominate birds.  
*''bogatensis'' is found in northern [[South America]] in [[Colombia]], [[Venezuela]] and into The [[Guianas]], as well as in [[Ecuador]] and [[Peru]]. Some authorities recognize ''palidicaudus'' for the birds of Venezuela and The Guianas
+
*''A. f. domingensis'' is a small subspecies (12% smaller than nominate) which is resident in [[Hispaniola]], and with records from [[Cuba]] as well; this subspecies may overlap with wintering nominate birds, but in breeding season is quite isolated from other forms.
*''suinda'' is found south of this form, in Peru, [[Chile]], [[Brazil]] and [[Argentina]]; this is a relatively large subspecies.  
+
*''A. f. portoricensis'' for the birds in [[Puerto Rico]], which are similar to those in [[Hispaniola]] and [[Cuba]]. Some authorities treat this as a synonym of ''A. f. domingensis''.  
*''sanfordi'' is the subspecies found in the [[Falkland Islands]].  
+
*''A. f. bogatensis'' is found in [[South America]] in [[Colombia]], [[Ecuador]] and [[Peru]].
*''ponapensis'' is a subspecies found on Ponape in the Caroline Islands in the South Pacific.
+
*''A. f. palidicaudus'' is found in [[Venezuela]] and into The [[Guianas]]. Some authorities include this in ''A. f. bogatensis''.
*The subspecies ''galapogoensis'' deserves a species mention, as it is a small and very dark form with a distinct dark mask. König et al. calls for collection of additional information allowing testing of the hypothesis that this might be a full species.
+
*''A. f. suinda'' is found south of this form, in Peru, [[Chile]], [[Brazil]] and [[Argentina]]; this is a relatively large subspecies.  
 +
*''A. f. sanfordi'' is the subspecies found in the [[Falkland Islands]].  
 +
*''A. f. ponapensis'' is a subspecies found on Ponape in the Caroline Islands in the South Pacific.
 +
[[Image:Short-eared_Owl_in_flight_by_IanF.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Showing both upperside and underside of wings<br />Photo &copy; by {{user|IanF|IanF}}<br />Greatham Creek, Billingham, [[UK]], October 2012]]
 +
*The subspecies ''A. f. galapogoensis'' deserves a species mention, as it is a small and very dark form with a distinct dark mask. König et al. calls for collection of additional information allowing testing of the hypothesis that this might be a full species.
 
==Habitat==
 
==Habitat==
Breeds on heathland, in scrub among meadows, on bogs, esp. in upper tree zone in open boreal forests. Some subspecies also in dryer, open lands. In winter occur in a variety of open landscapes, often in good [[:Northern Harrier|Harrier]] habitat.
+
Breeds on heathland, in scrub among meadows, on bogs, esp. in upper tree zone in open boreal forests. Some subspecies also in dryer, open lands. In winter occur in a variety of open landscapes, often in habitat shared with [[Hen Harrier]]s.
 
==Behaviour==
 
==Behaviour==
It quarters the ground with its wings held up at an angle and then suddenly stalls and lands on its prey, which is often small mammals.
+
It quarters the ground with its wings held up at an angle and then suddenly stalls and lands on its prey, which is mostly small mammals.
  
 
Partly diurnal, often the most diurnal species of owl in much of its range.
 
Partly diurnal, often the most diurnal species of owl in much of its range.
 
====Diet====
 
====Diet====
 
Food mainly voles, and population density in a given area can vary considerably depending on food availability.  
 
Food mainly voles, and population density in a given area can vary considerably depending on food availability.  
 +
[[Image:Shortie 21 03 10.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Photo &copy; by {{user|markranner|markranner}}<br />[[Lincolnshire]], March 2010]]
 
====Breeding====
 
====Breeding====
 
Nest is a scrape on the ground.
 
Nest is a scrape on the ground.
 
====Vocalisation====
 
====Vocalisation====
<flashmp3>Asio flammeus (song).mp3</flashmp3><br />
+
{{ Audio|Asio flammeus (song).mp3 }}
''[[Media:Asio flammeus (song).mp3|Listen in an external program]]''
+
 
 
==References==
 
==References==
# Clements, James F. 2007. ''The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World''. 6th ed., with updates to October 2007. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. ISBN 9780801445019
+
#{{Ref-Clements6thAug21}}#König, C. and F. Weick 2008. Owls of the World, second edition. Christopher Helm, London. ISBN 978-0-7136-6548-2
# König, C. and F. Weick 2008. Owls of the World, second edition. Christopher Helm, London. ISBN 978-0-7136-6548-2
 
 
# Alvaro Jaramillo. 2003. Birds of Chile. Princeton Field Guides. ISBN 0-691-11740-3
 
# Alvaro Jaramillo. 2003. Birds of Chile. Princeton Field Guides. ISBN 0-691-11740-3
 
{{ref}}
 
{{ref}}
 
==External Links==
 
==External Links==
{{GSearch|Short-eared+Owl}}
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{{GSearch|"Asio flammeus" {{!}}  "Short-eared Owl" {{!}} "Pueo"}}
 +
{{GS-checked}}1
 
<br />
 
<br />
{{Video|Short-eared_Owl}}
+
<br />
[[Category:Birds]][[Category:Asio]][[Category:Bird Songs]][[Category:Videos]]
+
 
 +
[[Category:Birds]][[Category:Asio]][[Category:Bird Songs]]

Latest revision as of 22:39, 4 February 2023

Alternative name: Pueo

A. f. flammeus
Photo © by BigSkyBirds
Location: Ranch land north of Great Falls, Montana, USA
Asio flammeus

Identification

L. 33-40 cm (13-15¾ in); Wing span: 95-105 cm (34½-41¼ in)

  • Bright yellow eyes
  • Rather plain face with dark circles around the eye
  • Ears are small and often inconspicuous
  • Overall cryptically patterned
  • Striped underparts
  • Contrast between darker throat and upper breast and lighter, more uniform lower breast and abdomen.

A medium sized owl with long wings, its flight is quite harrier like. Often seen actively hunting in daylight over open country such as moorland and savanna.

In flight shows strong black area at wrist both above and on underwing, and distinct, coarse dark barring at the tips of the primaries; between these is an area on the upper wing where the base of the primaries is unbarred rusty-yellow, in good contrast to the surrounding black.

A. f. galapogoensis
Photo © by docsevo
Galapagos Islands

Similar Species

It can be confused with Long-eared Owl which is normally but not always nocturnal, and is mostly found in forested areas. Long-eared has more uniform underside when perched and lack the black area around the eyes.

In flight, the wings are not quite as long and the base of the primaries contrast less sharply with the surrounding black because of narrower dark barring that is spreading into the base of the primaries and because the base of the primaries are generally darker on this species.

  • Note that the Identification fields are written to fit the situation in Europe; some variation within the species is covered in the Taxonomy section.

Distribution

Widely distributed as a breeding bird in northern Europe, northern Asia, North and South America. The nominate subspecies is mainly migratory, with some southern populations more sedentary; southernmost populations of subspecies A. f. suinda (southern South America) migrates north in winter while most other subspecies are resident. Due to this migration, during the northern hemisphere winter the species is found in southern Europe, Africa (as far south as Gambia, Mali and Chad), parts of India and southern Asia. The species is completely absent from Australia, and parts of south and south-east Asia.

Taxonomy

Nominate subspecies wintering in India
Photo © by Alok Tewari
Gurgaon Rural, Haryana, North-west India, January-2019

There are 8[2] to 10[1] subspecies:

  • A. f. flammeus -- the nominate subspecies is widely distributed breeding from Britain and Europe through Asia and America south to California and North Carolina. In Britain local in north, sporadic in south.
  • A. f. sandwichensis of Hawaii, commonly referred to by its Hawaiian name "pueo", is smaller than most nominate birds.
  • A. f. domingensis is a small subspecies (12% smaller than nominate) which is resident in Hispaniola, and with records from Cuba as well; this subspecies may overlap with wintering nominate birds, but in breeding season is quite isolated from other forms.
  • A. f. portoricensis for the birds in Puerto Rico, which are similar to those in Hispaniola and Cuba. Some authorities treat this as a synonym of A. f. domingensis.
  • A. f. bogatensis is found in South America in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
  • A. f. palidicaudus is found in Venezuela and into The Guianas. Some authorities include this in A. f. bogatensis.
  • A. f. suinda is found south of this form, in Peru, Chile, Brazil and Argentina; this is a relatively large subspecies.
  • A. f. sanfordi is the subspecies found in the Falkland Islands.
  • A. f. ponapensis is a subspecies found on Ponape in the Caroline Islands in the South Pacific.
Showing both upperside and underside of wings
Photo © by IanF
Greatham Creek, Billingham, UK, October 2012
  • The subspecies A. f. galapogoensis deserves a species mention, as it is a small and very dark form with a distinct dark mask. König et al. calls for collection of additional information allowing testing of the hypothesis that this might be a full species.

Habitat

Breeds on heathland, in scrub among meadows, on bogs, esp. in upper tree zone in open boreal forests. Some subspecies also in dryer, open lands. In winter occur in a variety of open landscapes, often in habitat shared with Hen Harriers.

Behaviour

It quarters the ground with its wings held up at an angle and then suddenly stalls and lands on its prey, which is mostly small mammals.

Partly diurnal, often the most diurnal species of owl in much of its range.

Diet

Food mainly voles, and population density in a given area can vary considerably depending on food availability.

Photo © by markranner
Lincolnshire, March 2010

Breeding

Nest is a scrape on the ground.

Vocalisation

References

  1. Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, S. M. Billerman, T. A. Fredericks, J. A. Gerbracht, D. Lepage, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2021. The eBird/Clements checklist of Birds of the World: v2021. Downloaded from https://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
  2. König, C. and F. Weick 2008. Owls of the World, second edition. Christopher Helm, London. ISBN 978-0-7136-6548-2
  3. Alvaro Jaramillo. 2003. Birds of Chile. Princeton Field Guides. ISBN 0-691-11740-3

Recommended Citation

External Links

GSearch checked for 2020 platform.1

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