Are short-eared owls protected?

Are short-eared owls protected?

Short-eared owls are Endangered in New York State. Their conservation depends on protecting relatively large, opens sites that support small rodents. Doing so will likely have the added benefit of protecting other imperiled grassland birds with similar habitat requirements.

Why is the Short-eared Owl endangered?

Short-eared owls are vulnerable primarily to mammalian predation due to the type of open habitat they occupy and their ground nesting habit.

What is threatening the Short-eared Owl?

The major threat for this species is habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities. It is also sensitive to human disturbance at the nest. As a ground nester, the Short-eared Owl is vulnerable to nest predation, which is typically higher in fragmented habitat.

How do you identify a Short-eared Owl?

Short-eared Owls are medium brown spotted with buff and white on the upperparts. The face is pale with yellow eyes accentuated by black outlines. The breast is heavily streaked with brown; the chest and belly are pale or buffy.

What time of day do short-eared owls hunt?

The Short-eared Owl breeds in a wide range of open areas. In Britain, moorlands, rough grasslands and young plantations support most of the breeding population. During the summer months they can sometimes be seen actively hunting during daylight hours, though most foraging occurs during the hours of darkness.

What is a short-eared owl lifespan?

Records are limited, but the longevity record for a wild short-eared owl is 4 yrs, 2 months. Causes of mortality include occasionally being hit by cars and airplanes, or being shot or trapped.

What are short-eared owls predators?

Natural enemies include many diurnal raptors such as the Bald Eagle, Northern Goshawk, Gyrfalcon, Red-tailed Hawk, and Snowy Owl. Because they nest on the ground, they are vulnerable to mammalian predators such as skunks, dogs, foxes, and coyotes, while Jaegers, gulls, ravens, and crows steal eggs and small chicks.

How big is a short-eared owl?

35–43 cm
Upperparts are mottled brown and buff. At 35–43 cm (14–17 in) adults are barn owl size but with a longer wingspan of 86–102 cm (34–40 in). Females and males are similar in size and color, though females tend to be larger and darker. Short-eared owls are a somewhat quiet species.

Do short-eared owls hunt in daytime?

Hunting & Food: Short-eared Owls hunt mainly at night and during the morning and late afternoon. They fly over open areas, a few feet above ground, and pounce when prey is located. In dense vegetation they will hover over prey, often for extended periods when facing into the wind, before pouncing.

Do short-eared owls hunt at night?

Short-eared Owls are the most likely species of owl to be seen hunting during the day, even though they mainly hunt at night.