THE SHORT -EARED OWL 



189 



Fig. 77. The Short-eared Owl. 



25. ASIO FLAMMEUS (Pontoppidan). 367. 

 Short-eared Owl. Marsh Owl. Prairie Owl. 



Field Characters. A medium sized, yellowish buff or tawny owl, 

 with darker stripes ; inhabiting the long grass of marshes and prairies 

 and hunting by day as well as at dusk. 



Description. Above, having dusky, buff-edged feathers ; tail with 

 buff and dusky bands. Below, pale buff or whitish with dark brown 

 streaks, heavier on the breast. Blackish immediately about the eyes. 

 Eyes yellow. Ear-tufts scarcely noticeable. 



Measurements. Length, 14 to 16 inches; wing, 12 to 13 inches; 

 tail, about 6 inches. 



Range. North America in general, breeding from Colorado, Mis- 

 souri and Illinois, northward. Found both summer and winter in 

 Iowa. 



