It was named for its inconspicuous "ear" tufts arising from the center of the forehead, though field observers rarely see these tufts. This owl also differs from most other owls as it seldom vocalizes and is more often seen than heard. It is often seen hunting low over the ground across marshes, fields, and other open areas on its buoyant, long wings, flying slowly and irregularly like a giant moth. The Short-eared owl is one of our most conspicuous owls owing to its use of open country and crepuscular habits. ![]() The Burrowing owl is an Oregon Conservation Strategy Species in the Blue Mountains, Columbia Plateau and Northern Basin and Range ecoregions. It is probably most common in the Columbia Basin and in southeast Oregon. The Burrowing owl is a spring and summer visitant in open grassland and shrub-steppe habitats in all ecoregions of eastern Oregon, except higher mountains. Males also average five percent larger than females, a situation rare among owls. Males are usually lighter colored than females, possibly because they spend more time exposed to the elements. ![]() These long-legged, short tailed owls are generally brownish buff with spots across the back and barring across the front. This habit is even more curious in Oregon since most burrows used for nesting were previously excavated by badgers, a major predator of Burrowing owl eggs and young. This small owl is unusual in that it nests in earthen burrows in open shrub-steppe regions and grasslands.
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