Long-eared owl

The long-eared owl is a medium-sized owl with tufted 'ear' feathers that make it look extra alert. It lives across Europe, Asia, and North America, often nesting in dense trees. Unlike some owls, it prefers to reuse old nests rather than build its own.

• Its scientific name 'Asio otus' means 'small horned owl' in Latin and Greek.
• This owl belongs to the Strigidae family, which includes most owl species.
• Long-eared owls hunt at night, using their sharp hearing to locate small mammals.