Irish Raptors: Long-eared Owl

Long-eared Owl, close to the nest, Co. Cork (Photo: Richard T. Mills)

Long-eared Owl Asio otus

Irish name Ceann cait.

Length 35–37cm.

Wingspan 85–96cm.

Estimated Irish breeding population Not known, but possibly 2,000 to 3,000 pairs.

Map of Long-eared Owl distribution in Ireland. Although widespread, the true status of the species in most of Ireland is unknown.

Habitat Woodland edges, conifer plantations and dense hedgerows, usually nesting in old crows nests.

Diet Feeds mainly on small mammals such as mice, shrews, voles and rats and occasionally small birds.

Nesting season Middle of March to early May.

Eggs Usually lays four or five eggs, which are shiny white.

Incubation period 28 days, mainly by the female.

Fledging time About 30–32 days.

Number of broods reared each year one.

A Long-eared Owl nest, with an adult feeding a Brown Rat to two well-developed young (Photo: Richard T. Mills)

Long-eared Owls can be quite vocal, particularly around the nest site, in the spring and summer. They are both rarely seen in daylight, but even if it is dark, you might be lucky enough to hear one. They sound quite different

Have a listen.

The first one is a calling adult Long-eared Owl. This is a call most commonly heard in early spring (a Pheaseant also calls in the background at the 20 second mark). Long-eared Owl calls are most likely to be heard from large trees or forest edge.

The next (below) is the Long-eared Owl call most often heard. It is well-developed Long-eared Owl chicks calling for their parents to bring them food. It can be surprisingly loud and carry for up to a kilometre on a quiet night. It is usually heard around late May, June and July, occasionally in early August. The call is often likened to a 'squeaky hinge'.

Cute and fluffy, yes, but this young Long-eared Owl can be noisy too. The loud, 'squeaky hinge' calls can be made persistently throughout summer evenings (Photo: Eric Dempsey).