Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus), a State Special Concern bird, has been found breeding at a very small number of sites in the central and northwestern parts of the state. Wisconsin provides very important wintering habitat for this species. The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl with long, narrow wings, a round head, yellow eyes, and very short ear-tufts that are rarely visible in the field. The species can be found in large tall grass grasslands with little or no woody vegetation. During the breeding season, nests are placed on the ground on slightly higher and drier areas such as small knolls, ridges, or hummocks within grasslands and wet meadows. It is an area-sensitive species that requires blocks of idle grasslands 100-250 acres or larger. The recommended avoidance period is March 20 - August 1. See the species guidance document for avoidance measures and management guidance from the Natural Heritage Conservation Program.
