---

L o n g E a r e d O w l

The long-eared owl has big ear tufts. These tufts are simply feathers and have no connection with the actual ears. In flight, the long-eared owl keeps its ear tufts flat against its head. It preys on rats, mice, shrews, moles, bats, squirrels, rabbits and other small mammals, as well as on birds and insects. During the day, long-eared owls roost in trees. Their mottled brown feathers helps them blend in with their surroundings. Long-eared owls roost from March to May, according to area; when food supplies are abundant they may produce two broods. Some northern populations of long-eared owls migrate south of their breeding areas in winter, to Mexico, northern Egypt and India, and northward again in spring.