long-eared owl

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long-eared owl (Asio otus)

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long-eared owl

bird

Also known as: Asio otus

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Article History

long-eared owl, (Asio otus), nocturnal bird of prey of the family Strigidae (order Strigiformes). Common to woodlands of northern Europe and America, it is recognized by its long ear tufts. Long-eared owls are brownish above, mottled and streaked. They have white underparts with dark streaks. These owls are about 30 cm (about 1 foot) long. They eat mice, birds, fish, frogs, and insects.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.