The long-eared owl (Asio otus), also known as the northern short-eared owl, is a medium-sized, slender owl belonging to the Strigidae family. This species boasts an extensive distribution, spanning across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North America, and even reaching the northern extremes of Africa, the Canary Islands, and the Azores.

An adult long-eared owl is characterized by its brownish-gray plumage, orange facial disc, whitish underparts with dark stripes, and a brown back. Its long ear tufts distinguish it from other owls when perched. The species exhibits sexuаl dimorphism, with females being larger and more colorful than males. This owl typically weighs between 220 and 435 grams and measures 35 to 40 centimeters in height. Its large, rounded wings have a wingspan of 90 to 100 centimeters, noticeable in flight. Juvenile birds have soft feathers that give them a fluffy appearance and a distinctive “V”-shaped marking on their face.

There is a notable difference in appearance between the North American and Eurasian populations of long-eared owls. North American owls are darker, more striped and mottled, with yellow eyes, while Eurasian owls are paler, especially on the face, and have reddish eyes. These owls are relatively quiet compared to other owl species, calling predominantly during the breeding season. The typical male call is a resounding “woop” that repeats every two to four seconds in series of up to 200 notes, audible from over a kilometer away. Females emit a high-pitched call in the nest, resembling the bleat of a lamb. Both sexes produce alarm calls ranging from dog barks to cat meows, and when restless, they make a popping sound by closing their jaws quickly. Additionally, both males and females can produce a wҺip-like sound with their wings while flying, and young birds make begging calls.

Long-eared owls primarily reside within their breeding range, but those in the northern parts of their range are largely migratory, moving south in the fall. These owls may also become nomadic in response to decreased food availability, moving to areas where food is abundant. They inhabit areas with a mix of tree cover, preferring wooded regions with adjoining bushes or open grassland. Forested areas typically consist of coniferous and deciduous forests with watercourses and windbreaks. The species occupies a wide elevation range, from sea level to almost 2000 meters above sea level. Long-eared owls require different biomes for roosting and hunting, roosting during the day in thick forest vegetation and hunting in adjacent open bushes and grasslands at night.