Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

(A. f. flammeus )

Armenian Name:	Ճահճային բու
Species Status:	Undetermined Species - Species of Special Concern

See Plate 35 for Short-eared Owl and other similar species

Resident Status:	Breeding bird
Abundance:	Rare
Length:	37-39 cm, Wing Span:95-110 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 185.
Description:	Dull pale orange-brown owl with short ear tufts and yellow eyes framed by dark patches. Long wings have dark carpal patch and pale patch at base of primaries. Dark streaks below.
Similar Species:	Differs from Long-eared Owl by paler underparts, short ear tufts, yellow eyes.
Behavior:	Hunts mostly at dawn and dusk. Flight slow and agile with wings forward in shallow V.
Habitat:	Open grasslands, steppe, marshes, river valleys.
Food:	Rodents, small birds, invertebrates.
Nest:	Ground scrape lined with vegetation.
Eggs:	40 mm, 4-8, white.