The long-eared owl is a medium-sized owl that can be found in many parts of the world. One of the defining features of this owl species is its distinctive ears, which are longer than those of most other owls. When it comes to the wingspan of the long-eared owl, there is some variation depending on geography, sex, and other factors.
Quick Answer
The average wingspan of a long-eared owl is between 35-40 inches (88-100 cm). However, wingspans can range from as small as 32 inches (80 cm) to as large as 42 inches (110 cm).
Average Wingspan
Most sources suggest the long-eared owl has an average wingspan of 35-40 inches (88-100 cm). This makes it a medium-sized owl, smaller than large owls like the great gray owl but larger than tiny owls like the elf owl.
Some specific average wingspans reported for the long-eared owl include:
- 95 cm or 37 inches according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
- 36.2 inches for males and 39.4 inches for females according to the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
- 88-98 cm or 35-39 inches according to the IUCN Red List site
So in general, it’s reasonable to say the average long-eared owl wingspan falls around 35-40 inches.
Range of Wingspans
While the average is 35-40 inches, the actual wingspan of individual long-eared owls can vary more significantly. Here are some examples of the range of wingspans that have been reported:
- 32 – 42 inches (80 – 110 cm) – Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive
- 36 – 44 inches (90 – 110 cm) – The Owls of the World
- 34 – 42 inches (85 – 105 cm) – Birds of North America Online
So wingspans on the lower end around 32-34 inches are considered small for the species, while spans on the upper end around 42-44 inches are considered large. But anything within that overall 80-110 cm / 32-42 inch range could be reasonably expected.
Differences Between Sexes
One factor that can lead to differences in wingspan within the same owl species is sex. Female owls are often larger and have longer wingspans than males of the same species.
For example, the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center reports an average wingspan of:
- 36.2 inches for male long-eared owls
- 39.4 inches for female long-eared owls
This sexual dimorphism where females are larger is common in owl species and many types of raptors. The female’s larger size may help her produce and incubate eggs.
Regional Variation
Another factor that can influence wingspan in long-eared owls is their geographic location and regional habitat.
For example, the Handbook of Birds of the World Alive reports different average wingspans by region:
- Europe, Asia, North Africa: 88-100 cm / 35-39 inches
- North America: 80-107 cm / 32-42 inches
This shows North American long-eared owls potentially have a larger range, with some on the lower and higher extremes. Reasons for these regional variations may include differences in climate, available prey, and other habitat factors.
Useful for Identification
The wingspan of long-eared owls provides a useful identification clue for bird watchers and biologists. The medium 35-40 inch span helps distinguish them from smaller and larger owls in their range including:
Owl Species | Wingspan |
---|---|
Burrowing Owl | 20-24 inches |
Great Horned Owl | 40-60 inches |
Short-eared Owl | 35-41 inches |
The long-eared owl’s wingspan overlaps slightly with the short-eared owl. But the long-eared’s signature ear tufts can help distinguish it in those cases.
Flight Capabilities
The wingspan of around 3.5 feet enables long-eared owls to take flight and fly effectively to hunt and migrate. Their flight style has been described as rather slow, light, and buoyant compared to other owls.
The broad rounded wings allow them to maneuver well through dense habitat. They can swiftly grab prey on the ground from low flight thanks to their long legs. And they are adept at quick take-offs and landings from perches.
So while not built for speed, the medium wingspan suits the long-eared owl’s hunting and flight habits well.
Migration
The long-eared owl has a widespread distribution across North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Their medium wingspans allow them to migrate seasonally across much of this range.
Some details about migration include:
- Northern populations are highly migratory, moving south in winter
- Some European owls migrate as far as north Africa
- The arid American Southwest forms the southern edge of migration range
- Small numbers reach California, the Pacific Northwest, and southern Canada
It’s estimated the long-eared owl’s average migration distance is about 620 miles / 1,000 km each way. Their wings are well-adapted to endure these long seasonal movements throughout their breeding and wintering grounds.
Hunting Adaptations
The long-eared owl’s wingspan also provides adaptations to help it hunt successfully:
- Broad, rounded wings allow silent flight to sneak up on prey
- Wings dampen noise when flapping to mask approach
- Excellent hearing helps locate prey while in flight
- Talons and feet ideal for snatching prey from flight
The typical prey they take includes voles, mice, rats, birds, and rabbits. Their wingspan allows them to efficiently survey areas for prey activity from the air. Then they can swoop down undetected and use their talons to snag food from the ground.
Habitat
The long-eared owl occupies a diversity of habitats across its range. These include:
- Forest edges
- Scrublands
- Grasslands
- Marshes
- Agricultural areas
A medium wingspan around 35-40 inches is well-suited for navigating and hunting within and around these habitats. The wings provide agility for weaving through vegetation while allowing for quick open flights across more open habitats like grasslands and marshes when necessary.
Roosting
While in flight, the long-eared owl’s wingspan may reach 3.5 feet. But at rest, they appear much more compact. Long-eared owls roost in dense thickets or concealed tree spots during the daytime.
When roosting, they elongate their body vertically and slim their silhouette by folding in their wings tightly and pointing ear tufts down to blend into surroundings.
Reproduction
The female long-eared owl’s slightly larger wingspan likely helps her during breeding. She relies on greater flight power and maneuverability when:
- Catching prey to feed nestlings
- Defending the nest area
- Sheltering chicks under her wings
Their medium wingspan provides a good balance of agility and strength for reproductive success.
Wingspan vs. Length
While we’ve focused on wingspan, the long-eared owl’s body length also provides an important size measurement.
Typical body lengths range around:
- 13-16 inches (35-40 cm)
This means wingspan is around 2.5 times the length of the bird. The proportionately long wings suit the owl’s flight-hunting lifestyle.
Wingspan is more variable than length based on sex, geography, and other factors. But length provides a more standardized measure of body size.
Weight
Weight is another key bodily measurement beyond length and wingspan.
Typical weight ranges for the long-eared owl include:
- 8 to 24 ounces (230 to 680 grams)
Females tend to be heavier than males on average. Weight can fluctuate seasonally as birds gain mass before winter migration. Their light yet powerful wing design allows excellent flight even at peak weights.
Conservation Status
The long-eared owl has an extensive range and large total population. Its global conservation status is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
But localized declines have been noted in some areas due to habitat loss and other factors. Constant monitoring is needed to track regional populations of this widespread owl.
Conclusion
The long-eared owl has an average wingspan of 35-40 inches (88-100 cm). This medium wingspan allows it to fly effectively when hunting prey and migrating. Wingspans ranges from as small as 32 inches to as large as 42 inches have been reported. Females tend to be larger than males, creating some sexual dimorphism. And geographic region can influence wingspan as well. While variable, the long-eared owl’s wingspan provides great adaptability across its range and habitats.