Watercolor portrait of Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)

Long-eared Owl

Asio otus
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

They breed across much of southern Canada and the northern U.S., with some birds staying year-round farther south and west. In winter, many gather in sheltered roosts and may shift south or to lower elevations.

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

Great Horned Owl

Much larger and bulkier overall.

Short-eared Owl

Ear tufts are tiny and usually hidden.

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Much smaller and rounder headed.

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.