The Long-Eared Owl (Asio otus) is a secretive and highly camouflaged owl found across Ontario, though often overlooked due to its excellent ability to blend into dense conifer stands and thickets. Known for their long, upright ear tufts and striking orange eyes, these owls prefer quiet woodlands near open fields where they can hunt small mammals, especially voles.
In Ontario, most Long-Eared Owls migrate south from the far north each winter, forming loose roosts of several birds in sheltered groves. Despite being widespread, their shy nature and preference for secluded sites make them one of the province’s most difficult owls to spot, turning every encounter into a special experience.

