Conserving and restoring at risk species and ecosystems on the BC South Coast
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeus
A member of the family Strigidae (“typical owls”), the genus Asio is known as the “eared owls”. Like Barn Owl, this species is one of the most globally widespread species of owl, absent only from Antarctica and Australia. The ear tufts are clumps of feathers and may or may not be visible depending on the owl’s ‘mood’.
COSEWIC: Special Concern, BC List: Blue / Identified Wildlife
This “crow-sized” owl is diurnal (active during the day). Females are slightly larger than males (typical of most raptors), and considerably heavier, averaging 411 grams compared to 350 grams for males. Plumage is tawny-brown on the body with streaking on the chest and belly. Wings and tail are dark brown blotched with white, primary flight feathers are tan with black stripes. A distinctive black patch on the underwing occurs near the bend (wrist). Feet are covered in short buff-coloured feathers. Dark eye orbits surround yellow eyes in a circular facial disc. Ear tufts are small and inconspicuous unless the owl is startled or defensive. Ear tufts may possibly aid in making birds more difficult to see in vegetation by breaking the line of the circular facial disc. The dark eye orbits with their distinct white edging may assist in cutting glare while hunting during the day. Juvenile owls are similar in colour to adults but retain more black on the facial disc until their first fall. The adults call is similar to the sound of a small dog barking.
RESOURCES
For further information see:
A sources for authoritative conservation information on thousands of plants and animals and hundreds of ecological communities in BC.
A joint venture resource providing comprehensive information on a range of species and ecological communities specific to the Coast Region of BC (including the South, Central and North Coast, Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii).
Environmental guidelines for urban and rural land development in BC.
Learn what species are at risk in your area, search by name, habitat type, regional district and forest district.
A volunteer-driven GIS-based biogeoclimatic atlas of the wildlife of BC.
Source for status, taxonomy, distribution and life history information for plants, animals and ecological communities in the US and Canada.
An initiative of the Province of BC to provide more explicit guidance and conservation on specific species and ecological communities of conservation concern that are impacted by forestry activities.
The source for news, information and documents related to species at risk, their status and conservation in Canada.
Up-to-date information on recovery planning and implementation for species in BC.
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