Short-eared Owl

Photo Credit: Keith Kohl, ODFW

Overview

  • Species Common Name Short-eared Owl
  • Species Scientific Name Asio flammeus flammeus
  • State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Special needs

Short-eared Owls require large expanses of marshes and wet prairies for foraging and nesting.

Limiting factors

Short-eared Owls persist in small numbers in Oregon. Loss of extensive wetland (marsh and wet prairie) habitat is a key limiting factor. These owls nest and communally roost on the ground, which makes them particularly vulnerable to disturbance.

Conservation actions

Maintain and restore wetland habitat, with an emphasis on maintaining large patches and/or expanding smaller ones. Minimize disturbance at communal roost sites.

Key reference or plan

The Willamette Valley Landowner's Guide to Creating Habitat for Grassland Birds