A long-eared owl on a nighttime foray

One of our nature observation cameras (NBK) captured a nocturnal visitor on its nighttime foray: a long-eared owl.

This is also the first time we’ve captured this species on camera. The owl is perched in the crown of an oak tree, keeping a close watch on its territory. Perhaps it’s searching for food. Insects buzz around it as it repeatedly scans its surroundings. After a few glances, it finally disappears back into the darkness.

Interesting Facts About the Long-Eared Owl

Appearance and Characteristics

• Size: 31 to 37 cm
• Wingspan: about 86 to 98 cm
• Weight: about 220 to 370 grams. Females are usually slightly heavier than males.
• Feather tufts: The striking long tufts of feathers on the head are not actual ears. They serve primarily for camouflage and body language.
• Eyes: The eyes are a striking orange-yellow with dark rims.
• Plumage: The ochre-yellow to brown plumage, with dark longitudinal stripes and spots, makes the long-eared owl nearly invisible among branches and tree trunks.

Habitat and Behavior

Long-eared owls prefer to live in open forests, along forest edges, and in field thickets. However, they can also be found in parks and cemeteries—especially where open areas border wooded areas.

The long-eared owl is crepuscular and nocturnal. While it usually sits motionless and exceptionally well-camouflaged in trees during the day, it goes hunting at dusk and dawn.

Unlike the tawny owl, for example, the long-eared owl does not build its own nest. It often uses abandoned nests of crows, magpies, or birds of prey.

Diet and Reproduction

Its diet consists mainly of small mammals, particularly field mice and voles.

The breeding season lasts from approximately March to June. The female usually lays 4 to 6 eggs and incubates them for about a month.

Life expectancy in the wild is usually 4 to 5 years, though some individuals can live significantly longer.

Further Links:

LANUK NRW – Information on the long-eared owl

State Association for Owl Conservation in Schleswig-Holstein e. V. – Information on the long-eared owl

A Good Sign

The eMission-X sites—our sites—also provide a good habitat for the long-eared owl! It finds meadows, clearings, forest edges, and fallow land there, creating ideal conditions for its presence in our regions. Their presence is a good sign and confirms to us that our efforts are worthwhile and that we should continue to pursue our goals. Namely, to return land to nature so that it can develop naturally and habitat for flora and fauna is created or preserved.

Highlights – Video

General Information on Handling Data from Our Nature Observation Cameras

• Purpose: Scientific monitoring and counting of wildlife populations.
• Method: Use of automatic, motion-activated cameras.
• Data Protection: No targeted recording of individuals.
• Deletion: Recordings of individuals captured incidentally are deleted—in compliance with the GDPR.