Long-eared Owl
Asio otus
They breed across much of southern Canad… Long-eared Owls like a mix of cover and… Uncommon Deep, steady hoots
Learn to identify the Long-eared Owl by ear. Master the "whoop... whoop... whoop" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.
“whoop... whoop... whoop”
What the Long-eared Owl sounds like
A slim, secretive owl with tall feather tufts and glowing orange eyes. By day it melts into dense evergreens like a strip of bark. At night it slips out on silent wings to hunt over fields and forest edges.
“whoop... whoop... whoop”
How to tell it apart
Listen for:The male gives a low, hollow hoot every few seconds. It's softer and more distant-sounding than a Great Horned Owl's booming call. Often written as “whoop... whoop... whoop”.
Don't confuse with:The Great Horned Owl — much larger and bulkier overall.
Where you'll hear it
Long-eared Owls like a mix of cover and open hunting ground. Look for them roosting in thick conifers, shelterbelts, or dense shrubs near meadows, marshes, and grasslands.
Spring is the best time to hear the male's soft, steady hoots. In winter, they can be surprisingly social, roosting in loose groups in dense evergreens.
Similar species
Long-eared Owl song FAQ
What does a Long-eared Owl sound like?
The male gives a low, hollow hoot every few seconds. It's softer and more distant-sounding than a Great Horned Owl's booming call. Listen for the "whoop... whoop... whoop" phrase.
How do I tell a Long-eared Owl from a Great Horned Owl by sound?
Great Horned Owl: Much larger and bulkier overall.; White throat patch usually stands out.; Ear tufts sit wider apart, and the face looks heavier and more powerful..
When is the best time to hear a Long-eared Owl?
Spring is the best time to hear the male's soft, steady hoots. In winter, they can be surprisingly social, roosting in loose groups in dense evergreens.