- Comments:
The ear tufts on the short-eared owl are rather inconspicuous and not always
noticed. Short-eared owls usually nest on the ground in prairies, hay fields and grain
stubble. In recent years they have been found in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
planted grasslands. They are often seen hunting over grasslands with a slow, buoyant,
floppy flight interspersed with glides. In flight they can be confused with northern
harriers. They are rather diurnal and can often be seen hunting during mornings and late
afternoons.
- Distribution:
Short-eared owls nest in very small numbers in Kansas. It is an irregular winter
resident where it occurs in native prairies and grasslands.
- Food:
Mice, especially voles, make up almost the entire diet of the short-eared owl. With
hungry young owls in the nest adults will occasionally capture small birds.
Other Kansas Owls
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