Owls

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

A medium-sized owl that hunts in daylight, coursing low over open tundra on buoyant, floppy wingbeats. Mottled brown plumage and tiny ear tufts visible at close range. Nests on Kodiak's coastal meadows.

Where to look

Open coastal meadows, tundra near Chiniak, and grassland areas in the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.

Habitat

Open tundra, grasslands, and coastal meadows.

Diet

Voles, mice, and other small mammals; occasionally birds.

Natural history note

Short-eared Owls are one of the most widespread birds on Earth, found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica.