Short-eared Owl

Rare Owls Near Fredericton

Short-eared Owl

 Although bird books list the Short-eared Owl as possibly breeding in New Brunswick, it is rare to see one, especially in the Fredericton area.  When the vole population is high it is possible to see this species on the Tantramar Marsh.  But in the Fredericton area, it is a rare finding.  We found 3 individuals in the Jemseg area yesterday, so that is really unusual.

This species when present is fairly easy to see because of its habit of hunting early and late in the day.  It flies over fields and marshy areas looking for rodents.  In our sighting, that is what these birds were doing.  In some ways they look like giant butterflies because their flight is erratic especially as they were flying over bushes and tall grass.  You can see in the photo below that the owl was successful.

Short-eared Owl

The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl and looks slender when sitting on the ground.  It often sits with its body at an angle to the ground rather than vertical.  It is dark-brown streaked on its back with pale buffy colour on its underneath.  Its breast is heavily streaked.  Its eyes are a striking bright yellow with dark 'eye shadow' around them, which is visible at a distance.  It has two tiny 'ears' which it raises only when on the alert, making them rarely visible.  It often is seen sharing the same habitat with the Northern Harrier, which was true last night when it was seen with 2 harriers.  They are sometimes mistaken for harriers because of the similar habitat and their way of flying low over the terrain early and late in the day.  The flight of the owl is, however, floppier and more erratic.

Short-eared Owl

The Short-eared Owl is a holarctic species.  It breeds in the northern regions of the Northern Hemisphere.  I have also seen this owl in Iceland and it is found in Northern Europe and Asia.  It occurs on every continent except Australia and Antarctica.  The female is larger than the male and generally darker in colour.  It breeds on tundra, prairie, marsh and coastal grasslands.  Its nest is on the ground and hidden in tall grass.  It also roosts mainly on the ground, making it often hard to see.  It is not particularly vocal but in breeding season the male utters a monosyllabic, deep hoo-hoo 13-16 times.  The female sometimes responds with a hoarse cheeaw.  Even though its range is extensive, its population numbers are a concern mainly due to loss of habitat.

Short-eared Owl

The Short-eared Owl is noted for its aerial courtship display.  The male circles and ascends to 200-400 metres.  He sometimes then rises and falls with exaggerated wingbeats.  Finally he descends in a spectacular display, diving steeply clapping his wings underneath him at the same time.  This makes an impressive sound.  He then repeats this performance several times before landing near the female and puffing himself up, swaying back and forth for her attention.  I haven't had the privilege of seeing this.