Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl
Recordings 
Scientific Name 
Asio flammeus
Arabic Name 
البومة قصيرة الأذنين
Kuwaiti name 
بومة , كبسة
Family 
Width 
102.0 cm
Length 
38.0 cm
Least Concern
Similar species 

Information

Rare winter visitor. An owl that lives in open areas; not requiring trees. Unlike other owls, this species will hunt during daylight making its presence obvious to hunters. Unfortunately these owls have been frequently shot by hunters at various locations in Kuwait.
Where in Kuwait 
It is mostly found in open desert areas with scrub habitat that it can hide under during the day, it has also been recorded on farmlands
In the world 
It has an extremely large range with a declining population. It is one of the most widespread owl species with a range that extends throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. Its scientific name flammeus, meaning “fiery”, is a reference to its boldly streaked plumage, which provides excellent camouflage when concealed amongst vegetation. A skilled hunter, this species is most active during the morning, late afternoon and night, when it can be seen flying low above the ground searching for prey.
Local threats 
Habitat loss and degradation, persecution and pesticides