November 25, 2016 - Long-eared Owl (Asio otus, previously Strix otus)
Requested by: @derbytup
These owls are found in most of the subarctic areas of the northern hemisphere. Their diet consists mostly of mammals, usually rodents, but they will also hunt small birds, bats, snakes, and other vertebrates. Their excellent hearing helps them hunt, allowing them to catch prey in total darkness. Outside of the breeding season they may roost in groups of up to 100 birds. When nesting, they sometimes form loose colonies with nests about 50 feet (15 meters) apart. They often use abandoned nests of other species of birds, such as ravens and hawks, or nest in tree or cliff cavities or sometimes on the ground. Females incubate the eggs and remain with the chicks almost constantly for about two weeks after they hatch while males bring them food.
