Long-Eared Owl
Long-eared Owls are shy, nocturnal, and highly camouflaged. Their name is credited to their long ear tufts which help them look bigger and camouflage in the dense foliage. They are found across the US and even in some parts of Canada and Mexico. These owls are listed as "High Level Concern" species in the Pennsylvania State Wildlife Action Plan.
Fun Facts
Vocals
The call of the male Long-eared Owl can be heard up to almost 3/4 of a mile away. Long-Eared Owls can even be identified by their long, low hoots, which can be easily heard in spring and summer.
Lifespan
The oldest Long-eared Owl ever recorded was 12 years and 1 month old. It was banded in New York and then found in Ontario, Canada. Not only did this owl live an incredibly long time, but it also managed to travel 906 miles!
Hunting
Long-Eared Owls are known for their superb hearing, allowing them to snatch their prey in the complete dark while flying silently. As nocturnal birds (awake during the night) their keen hearing and eyesight are essential to their survival.
Habitat
In addition to the North American populations, small groups of Long-eared Owls can be found in North and East Africa, the Azores, and the Canary Islands. Though this owl’s biology has been extensively studied in the U.S. and Europe, not much is known about it in other parts of its habitat.
What Wildlife Student Saviors Are Doing To Help
Learn more about the conservation efforts Wildlife Student Saviors are implementing to aid the Long-Eared Owl.
Nesting Platforms
Since Long-Eared Owl populations have been declining in Pennsylvania, a good way to encourage nesting is through the creation of artificial nesting platforms. These owls will nest on a man-made structure and they will be encouraged to reproduce. Breeding is essential to the revival of the Long-Eared Owl population. Building these platforms can also attract Long-Eared Owls who can help control pests in your yard. Building these platforms is a fun family activity, but it also serves a greater purpose of helping local wildlife. More specification and instructions on how to build these platforms can be found below.
Minimize
Rodenticides
One of the largest causes of Long-Eared Owl population decline is the use of rodenticides. This seemingly helpful tool has many negative impacts on the environment and the owls who live in it too. When a rodent ingests this poison, they continue to roam. If an unlucky owl picks them up for a meal, it also ingests the poison in the rodent. This can eventually cause the owl to die. One way to stop this problem is to minimize your use of rodenticides and try other ways to control rodent populations, like live traps or controlling food waste. With your help, we can stop the deaths of owls from these harmful chemicals.
Education
Education is at the forefront of the fight for wildlife conservation. We need your help to make a difference in the lives of these threatened and endangered species. One of the most important missions of Wildlife Student Saviors is to educate and empower youth to make a difference in their community. We host lectures from experts to learn more about ways we can help and we strive to educate as many as we can regarding local conservation efforts. Without empowering youth and others, the fight to save these endangered species is a losing battle. With your help and support, we can make a difference.
Latest Stories
Read more about Long-Eared Owls in the news.
STORIES
The Long-Eared Owl's World
These magnificent Owls' see the world in a way completely different from us. Their incredible eyesight and hearing transforms them into the perfect predator.
SIGHTING
Long-Eared Owl Encounter
A brief encounter with a Long-Eared Owl in Mud Lake, WI reveals how rare and elusive these birds truly are.
Student Pins
Wildlife Student Saviors host a pin contest, where students design a pin depicting the year's animal ambassador. Each year there are three winners, one from the lower, middle, and high school. The pins are awarded to club members as a symbol of their achievements regarding wildlife conservation and education. These pins become not only a club tradition but also a memory for seniors as they pin them on their Baldwin Blazers. This years pin contest winners are displayed below.
Lower School Winner
TBD
Middle School Winner
TBD
High School Winner
TBD
