Short-eared Owl – Oregon Conservation Strategy

Overview

Species Common Name Short-eared Owl
Species Scientific Name Asio flammeus flammeus
State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley ecoregion is bounded on the west by the Coast Range and on the east by the Cascade Range. This long mostly level alluvial plain has some scattered areas of low basalt, and contrasts with productive farmland and large urban areas. It has the fastest-growing human population in the state resulting in challenges due to land-use changes.

Special needs

Short-eared Owls require large expanses of marshes and wet prairies for foraging and nesting.

Limiting factors

Short-eared Owls persist in small numbers in Oregon. Loss of extensive wetland (marsh and wet prairie) habitat is a key limiting factor. These owls nest and communally roost on the ground, which makes them particularly vulnerable to disturbance.

Data gaps

Complete breeding season inventory of suitable nesting habitat. Determine habitat associations of breeding and wintering birds.

Conservation actions

Maintain and restore wetland habitat, with an emphasis on maintaining large patches and/or expanding smaller ones. Minimize disturbance at communal roost sites.

Key reference or plan

The Willamette Valley Landowner's Guide to Creating Habitat for Grassland Birds