Short-eared owl

The short-eared owl is a grassland dweller found in open areas across the globe. Part of the eared owl family, it has tiny feather tufts that look like ears, though they’re often hidden. These tufts pop up when the owl feels threatened.

• Its ear-like tufts are only visible when it feels defensive.
• It prefers living in open grasslands and countryside.
• The tufts are so short they’re usually hard to spot.