Asio otus - Long-eared Owl
Feather characters. Barbules are extremely long (2.1-4.8 mm). Barbules are divided into pigmented nodes and unpigmented internodes. Occasionally some pigment is found in parts of internodes. Both diamond-shaped and vase-shaped nodes are present. Nodes are located on proximal end of barbules (11-14 per mm). Most basal nodes are diamond-shaped, abruptly decreasing in size into vase-shaped nodes on the middle part of barbules. Distally nodes are too small to be qualified as nodes. Villi are absent and internodes are straight. Prongs are mostly located on distal end of barbules, on both sides of the pennulum. Their length varies but the longest prongs may reach a length between half and the entire length of the adjacent internode.
Field characters. Size 36 cm. Weight: male 245 g (178-314), female 279 g (210-342) (Dunning, 1993). Resembles a miniature Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo, not included in BRIS) and similar to Short-eared Owl, but darker, with longer eartufts. Has longer wings than Tawny Owl. Whole plumage brown with many dark streaks. Facial disk paler, with almost white feathering along bill, extending to above and below eyes. Completely nocturnal, but can be seen during daylight on migration. In winter found in communal roosts with sometimes several dozens together, sometimes in bare trees, but even then surprisingly difficult to find. Prefers however 'evergreens'. When disturbed, raises eartufts and depresses body feathers. Breeds in old nests of other birds, like crows, and raptors.
Voice. During breeding season a feeble, repeated 'hoo'. In flight a sharp 'tic', like Coot.
Distribution. Common and widespread. Map: see MapIt.
Habitat. Found in a variety of woodland, even pure pine forest, but generally avoids mountains. Hunts in areas with low vegetation, like marshes, fields, and agricultural land.
Food. Mainly voles, but also takes small birds.