Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)

The Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) is a moderately-sized member of the Strigidae family, known for its crepuscular hunter over open fields. Along Oklahoma's Central Flyway, this species is a winter visitor, frequenting the grasslands and marshes that characterize much of northwestern Oklahoma's diverse landscape. The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge near Jet, Oklahoma, serves as one of the premier locations for observing this species in the Central Flyway corridor.

Quick Facts

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Asio flammeus
Family	Strigidae (Owls)
Size	9-14 inches (23-36 cm) in length, weighing approximately 3-10 ounces (85-280 grams)
Habitat	Grasslands and marshes
Diet	Voles and mice
Seasons in Oklahoma	Winter
Conservation Status	Least Concern

Identification Guide

When identifying the Short-eared Owl in the field, look for the crepuscular hunter over open fields. This species measures approximately 9-14 inches (23-36 cm) in length, weighing approximately 3-10 ounces (85-280 grams). In the grasslands and marshes habitats typical of northwestern Oklahoma, careful observation will reveal the distinctive features that separate this species from similar birds in the area.

Physical Description

The Short-eared Owl presents crepuscular hunter over open fields, making it a rewarding find for Central Flyway birders. This species belongs to the owls group and shares the grasslands and marshes with several related species, though careful observation reveals the unique characteristics that make the Short-eared Owl unmistakable.

The Short-eared Owl feeds primarily on voles and mice, and observing feeding behavior can be an excellent identification tool. Watch for this species foraging in grasslands and marshes throughout the Salt Plains region and surrounding areas of the Central Flyway.

Tips for Field Identification

Males and females may differ in appearance, so familiarizing yourself with both plumages will improve your identification success rate during visits to the Central Flyway.

Key field marks to look for include:

Size and shape: 9-14 inches (23-36 cm) in length, weighing approximately 3-10 ounces (85-280 grams), with a build typical of owls
Distinctive features: Crepuscular hunter over open fields
Behavior: Watch for feeding activity in grasslands and marshes
Voice: Listen for this species' characteristic calls, which are often the first indication of its presence in dense habitat

Habitat and Range Along the Central Flyway

The Central Flyway stretches from the Arctic tundra of Canada through the Great Plains of the United States to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond into Central and South America. Oklahoma sits at a critical juncture in this migratory corridor, and the Short-eared Owl takes full advantage of the state's grasslands and marshes during its seasonal visits.

In northwestern Oklahoma, the Short-eared Owl primarily inhabits grasslands and marshes. The unique geography of the Salt Plains region, where the Great Salt Plains create a mosaic of salt flats, shallow wetlands, grasslands, and wooded riparian corridors, provides exceptional habitat diversity that supports the Short-eared Owl alongside hundreds of other bird species.

The Short-eared Owl's range along the Central Flyway extends through the heart of the Great Plains, with Oklahoma representing vital wintering grounds.

Seasonal Presence in Oklahoma

Winter transforms the Oklahoma landscape, and Short-eared Owls arrive from their northern breeding grounds to spend the winter in the Central Flyway region. The relatively mild winters of northwestern Oklahoma provide crucial habitat, particularly around the Salt Plains area where grasslands and marshes remain accessible even during cold snaps.

Migration Patterns

The Short-eared Owl's migration through the Central Flyway follows patterns that have been refined over thousands of generations. In Oklahoma, the timing of arrivals and departures varies somewhat from year to year depending on weather patterns, but generally follows predictable seasonal rhythms. The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1930, has provided a consistent and protected stopover point for migrating Short-eared Owls throughout its history.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

The Short-eared Owl sustains itself on voles and mice, a diet well-suited to the resources available in grasslands and marshes throughout the Central Flyway. In the Salt Plains region of northwestern Oklahoma, this species has adapted its foraging strategies to take advantage of the unique combination of habitats available.

The Short-eared Owl's feeding behavior is well-adapted to the grasslands and marshes of the Central Flyway region. In northwestern Oklahoma, this species has found abundant food resources in the diverse habitats surrounding Salt Plains Lake and the associated refuge lands.

Seasonal changes in food availability influence the Short-eared Owl's diet throughout the year. During spring and summer, increased insect populations often supplement the diet, while fall and winter may see a greater reliance on seeds, berries, or other seasonal food sources available in the region.

Conservation Status

The Short-eared Owl is currently classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating a stable and healthy population across its range. In the Central Flyway, this species benefits from the protected habitats at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and other conservation lands throughout northwestern Oklahoma. However, ongoing habitat management and monitoring remain important to ensure this species continues to thrive in the region.

Threats and Challenges

The primary threats facing the Short-eared Owl in the Central Flyway include:

Habitat loss and fragmentation: Conversion of grasslands and marshes to agricultural or developed land reduces available habitat
Climate change: Shifting weather patterns may alter the timing of migration and availability of food resources
Human disturbance: Recreational activities near sensitive habitats can disrupt feeding and nesting behaviors
Pesticide exposure: Agricultural chemicals can reduce insect prey populations and cause direct toxicity

Conservation Efforts in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's network of wildlife refuges, state parks, and conservation areas provides essential protected habitat for the Short-eared Owl and many other Central Flyway species. Key conservation initiatives include:

Ongoing habitat management at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge (580-626-4794)
Water level management to maintain optimal wetland conditions
Grassland restoration programs throughout northwestern Oklahoma
Citizen science programs including Christmas Bird Counts and breeding bird surveys
Educational programs at Great Salt Plains State Park (580-626-4731)

Best Viewing Locations

For birders hoping to observe the Short-eared Owl along Oklahoma's Central Flyway, these locations offer the best opportunities:

1. Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge

The flagship birding destination of northwestern Oklahoma, Salt Plains NWR encompasses over 32,000 acres of salt flats, wetlands, and grasslands. The refuge, located along SH 64 and SH 38 north of Jet, Oklahoma, is home to 312 documented bird species and provides excellent habitat for the Short-eared Owl. Contact the refuge at 580-626-4794 for current conditions and viewing recommendations.

2. Jet Area along SH 38

This area provides suitable grasslands and marshes habitat for the Short-eared Owl and is worth exploring during winter when this species is present in the Central Flyway region. Check local conditions before visiting and respect all posted regulations to help protect wildlife habitat.

3. Great Salt Plains State Park

Adjacent to the national wildlife refuge, the state park offers additional viewing opportunities along with camping, hiking, and the famous crystal digging area. The park's diverse habitats support the Short-eared Owl throughout its seasonal presence. Contact the park at 580-626-4731 for visitor information.

4. Cherokee Area

The town of Cherokee on SH 64 and SH 11 serves as a gateway to the Salt Plains region. The Cherokee area, located in Alfalfa County, offers access to the eastern shores of Salt Plains Lake approximately 15 miles east. The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce (580-596-3575) can provide information on local birding spots.

Birding Tips for Observing the Short-eared Owl

Best time of day: Early morning hours typically offer the most active viewing, especially during winter months
Equipment: A quality pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) is essential, and a spotting scope can be helpful for detailed observation
Patience: Nocturnal species require patience and quiet observation
Respect wildlife: Maintain appropriate distances and avoid disturbing nesting or roosting birds
Record your sightings: Report observations to eBird to contribute to scientific knowledge of the Short-eared Owl in the Central Flyway

Related Species

Other owls you may encounter while birding in the Central Flyway:

This guide is part of the CherPub Central Flyway Bird Guide series, covering all 312+ bird species documented at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and throughout Oklahoma's Central Flyway corridor. For more information about birding in northwestern Oklahoma, visit Salt Plains NWR or contact the refuge at 580-626-4794.