Wild At Heart Photo Gallery - Short-eared Owl

The Short-eared Owl migrates through Arizona on its way to its breeding grounds north of Arizona all the way up to Alaska. Uncommon to rare in the winter in Arizona, the Short-eared Owl is usually seen acting like a Northern Harrier, flying low over open fields in the daytime looking for prey. This type of flight pattern can lead to contact with automobiles and a broken wing. The Short-eared Owl pictured here is being treated for a broken wing and may someday be able to return to the wild.

The "ears" on the Short-eared Owl can lay flat against the head and are sometimes not seen. Notice the strong contrast in the feather colors on the breast and on the back of the head.

Photos by Greg Clark - 2002

Short-eared Owl Wing Detail

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