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Contents_NN2

Barn_NN1 owl_NN1 page_NN1 1_MC1 ._.

<reg> Tawny_JJ </reg> owl_NN1 9_MC ._.

Short-Eared_JJ owl_NN1 13_MC ._.

Long_RR Eared_JJ owl_NN1 17_MC ._.

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A_AT1 project_NN1 about_II owls_NN2 written_VVN and_CC <reg> illustrated_VVD </reg> by_RP <name key="Lorna Ashworth"> ._.

THE_AT BARN_NN1 OWL_NN1

The_AT barn_NN1 owl_NN1 is_VBZ one_MC1 of_IO the_AT world_NN1 's_GE <reg> most_RGT </reg> widespread_JJ land_NN1 birds_NN2 ,_, occurring_VVG on_II all_DB continents_NN2 except_II Antarctica_NP1 ._. It_PPH1 is_VBZ known_VVN as_II The_AT screech_NN1 owl_NN1 -_- a_AT1 name_NN1 that_CST testifies_VVZ to_II its_APPGE eerie_JJ ,_, strangled_JJ call_NN1 ._. The_AT barn_NN1 owl_NN1 is_VBZ <reg> adapted_VVN </reg> to_II hunting_NN1 by_II night_NNT1 once_RR persecuted_VVN by_II gamekeepers_NN2 in_II the_AT belief_NN1 that_CST it_PPH1 took_VVD <reg> nestlings_NN2 </reg> ,_, it_PPH1 has_VHZ long_RR been_VBN encouraged_VVN to_TO nest_VVI in_II farmers_NN2 '_GE storage_NN1 barns_NN2 ,_, <reg> which_DDQ </reg> it_PPH1 swiftly_RR <reg> rids_VVZ </reg> of_IO troublesome_JJ rodents_NN2 ._.

DID_VDD YOU_PPY KNOW_VVI ?_?

The_AT barn_NN1 owl_NN1 has_VHZ a_AT1 wealth_NN1 of_IO local_JJ names_NN2 in_II Britain_NP1 ._. <reg> These_DD2 </reg> include_VV0 billy_NN1 owl_NN1 ,_, gilly_RR white_JJ ,_, jenny_JJ owl_NN1 ,_, willow_NN1 owl_NN1 and_CC <unclear>_FO ._. The_AT barn_NN1 owl_NN1 is_VBZ generally_RR considered_VVN a_AT1 non-migratory_JJ species_NN ,_, but_CCB individuals_NN2 move_VV0 long_JJ distances_NN2 ._. European_JJ birds_NN2 have_VH0 travelled_VVN over_RG 1000km_NNU ,_, while_CS their_APPGE North_NP1 American_JJ couterparts_NN2 have_VH0 been_VBN recorded_VVN moving_VVG <reg> nearly_RR </reg> 2000km_NNU ._. Barn_NN1 owls_NN2 have_VH0 been_VBN released_VVN into_II The_AT Seychelles_NP1 Islands_NNL2 in_II attempt_NN1 to_TO <reg> control_VVI </reg> the_AT rat_NN1 Population_NN1 ._. They_PPHS2 have_VH0 found_VVN it_PPH1 <reg> easier_JJR </reg> to_TO prey_VVI on_II unique_JJ local_JJ bird_NN1 species_NN ,_, however_RR ,_, and_CC islanders_NN2 are_VBR now_RT trying_VVG to_TO eliminate_VVI them_PPHO2 ._.

BREEDING_NN1

In_II February_NPM1 <sic> of_IO </sic> early_RR march_VV0 a_AT1 barn_NN1 owl_NN1 pair_NN settles_VVZ into_II its_APPGE nesting_NN1 site_NN1 To_TO breed_VVI ._. This_DD1 may_VM be_VBI a_AT1 site_NN1 used_VVN for_IF many_DA2 past_JJ seasons_NNT2 ,_, perhaps_RR in_II the_AT roof_NN1 of_IO an_AT1 old_JJ barn_NN1 or_CC a_AT1 tree_NN1 hole_NN1 ._. No_AT nest_NN1 is_VBZ built_VVN ,_, and_CC the_AT female_NN1 lays_VVZ her_APPGE three_MC to_II six_MC eggs_NN2 directly_RR on_II the_AT timbers_NN2 of_IO the_AT bare_JJ tree_NN1 cavity_NN1 ._. the_AT female_NN1 alone_RR incubates_VVZ The_AT clutch_NN1 ,_, but_CCB she_PPHS1 is_VBZ fed_VVN at_II The_AT nest_NN1 by_II The_AT male_NN1 ._. She_PPHS1 lays_VVZ an_AT1 egg_NN1 every_AT1 two_MC to_II three_MC days_NNT2 ;_; The_AT young_JJ hatch_NN1 at_II similar_JJ intervals_NN2 ,_, with_IW a_AT1 considerable_JJ size_NN1 difference_NN1 between_II the_AT first_MD and_CC last_MD hatchlings_NN2 ._. The_AT younger_JJR owlets_NN2 of_IO some_DD large_JJ broods_NN2 may_VM be_VBI devoured_VVN by_II older_JJR nestlings_NN2 ,_, more_RGR surprisingly_RR ,_, there_EX are_VBR records_NN2 of_IO older_JJR owlets_NN2 taking_VVG food_NN1 from_II adults_NN2 to_TO give_VVI to_II their_APPGE younger_JJR relations_NN2 ._. The_AT female_NN1 stops_VVZ brooding_VVG the_AT chicks_NN2 when_RRQ the_AT youngest_JJT is_VBZ 10_MC days_NNT2 old_JJ after_II which_DDQ Time_NNT1 both_RR Parents_NN2 bring_VV0 them_PPHO2 food_NN1 ._. The_AT owlets_NN2 fly_VV0 at_II 55-60_MCMC days_NNT2 and_CC are_VBR fully_RR independent_JJ some_DD four_MC weeks_NNT2 later_RRR ._.

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Barn_NN1 Owl_NN1

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A_AT1 Barn_NN1 <reg> Owl_NN1 </reg> in_II flight_NN1

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A_AT1 <reg> Barn_NN1 Owl_NN1 </reg> chick_NN1 <sic> rest_NN1 </sic> after_II breaking_VVG out_II21 of_II22 its_APPGE shell_NN1

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A_AT1 28-day_JJ old_JJ chick_NN1

The_AT white_NN1 down_RP soon_RR changes_VVZ to_TO buff_VVI ._.

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Food_NN1 &_CC HUNTING_NN1

The_AT barn_NN1 owl_NN1 is_VBZ a_AT1 highly_RR efficient_JJ predator_NN1 ._. It_PPH1 drops_VVZ upon_II and_CC seizes_VVZ unsuspecting_JJ prey_NN1 ,_, either_RR when_CS flying_VVG up_RP and_CC down_RP a_AT1 field_NN1 edge_NN1 or_CC ditch_NN1 bank_NN1 ,_, or_CC from_II <note desc="word/s missing?"> prominent_JJ perch_NN on_II a_AT1 gate_NN1 or_CC fence_NN1 post_NN1 ._. the_AT owl_NN1 is_VBZ physically_RR well_RR adapted_VVN to_II night-time_JJ hunting_NN1 ._. large_JJ eyes_NN2 with_IW binocular_JJ (_( forward-facing_NN1 and_CC overlapping_JJ )_) vision_NN1 enable_VV0 it_PPH1 to_TO judge_VVI distance_NN1 very_RG accurately_RR ._. Keen_JJ hearing_NN1 enables_VVZ it_PPH1 to_TO detect_VVI the_AT <reg> quietest_JJT </reg> rustle_NN1 in_II the_AT grass_NN1 ._. key_NN1 to_II its_APPGE success_NN1 ,_, however_RR ,_, is_VBZ its_APPGE silent_JJ flight_NN1 -_- aided_VVN by_II very_RG soft_JJ feathering_NN1 ,_, particularly_RR on_II the_AT leading_JJ edge_NN1 of_IO the_AT wing_NN1 ._. Even_RR the_AT bird_NN1 's_GE legs_NN2 and_CC feet_NN2 are_VBR covered_VVN in_RP down_RP so_CS21 that_CS22 ,_, as_CSA they_PPHS2 swing_VV0 forward_RL <sic> the_AT </sic> grasp_NN1 victim_NN1 any_DD noise_NN1 is_VBZ kept_VVN to_II a_AT1 minimum_NN1 ._. The_AT barn_NN1 owl_NN1 preys_NN2 mainly_RR on_II <reg> short-tailed_JJ </reg> vole_NN -_- in_II many_DA2 areas_NN2 this_DD1 rodent_NN1 <sic> comprise_VV0 </sic> nearly_RR 90_MC per_NNU21 cent_NNU22 ,_, by_II weight_NN1 ,_, of_IO the_AT <reg> owl_NN1 's_GE </reg> food_NN1 ._. In_II the_AT east_ND1 of_IO Britain_NP1 the_AT brown_JJ rat_NN1 is_VBZ the_AT bird_NN1 's_GE chief_JJ victim_NN1 ._. This_DD1 adaptable_JJ hunter_NN1 also_RR takes_VVZ fish_NN ,_, frogs_NN2 and_CC lizards_NN2 ._. It_PPH1 may_VM snatch_VVI bats_NN2 from_II the_AT air_NN1 ,_, and_CC prey_NN1 on_II birds_NN2 as_RG diverse_JJ as_CSA rook_NN1 ,_, snipe_NN1 and_CC lapwing_VVG ._.

HABITS_NN2

Although_CS principally_RR a_AT1 night-active_JJ species_NN the_AT barn_NN1 owl_NN1 <reg> occasionally_RR </reg> shows_VVZ itself_PPX1 during_II <sic> day_NNT1 light_NN1 </sic> ._. This_DD1 is_VBZ most_RGT likely_JJ when_CS the_AT bird_NN1 is_VBZ feeding_VVG young_JJ ,_, or_CC in_II very_RG cold_JJ weather_NN1 when_CS hunting_NN1 is_VBZ difficult_JJ ._. A_AT1 bird_NN1 of_IO farmland_NN1 ,_, open_JJ woodland_NN1 and_CC Parkland_NN1 ,_, the_AT barn_NN1 owl_NN1 is_VBZ often_RR seen_VVN hunting_NN1 over_II road-side_NN1 hedges_NN2 ._. Sadly_RR ,_, this_DD1 often_RR results_VVZ in_II fatalities_NN2 ._. In_II an_AT1 analysis_NN1 of_IO 320_MC ringed_VVD birds_NN2 ,_, over_RG 20_MC percent_NNU were_VBDR killed_VVN on_II Roads_NN2 or_CC Railways_NN2 ._. Although_CS population_NN1 density_NN1 varies_VVZ in_II31 relation_II32 to_II33 available_JJ prey_NN1 supplies_NN2 ,_, an_AT1 individual_JJ pair_NN will_VM defend_VVI its_APPGE own_DA territory_NN1 ._. Normally_RR a_AT1 sufficient_JJ screech_NN1 to_TO <reg> warn_VVI </reg> away_RL intruders_NN2 ,_, but_CCB at_II times_NNT2 <reg> territorial_JJ </reg> defence_NN1 can_VM be_VBI very_RG aggresive_JJ ._. Two_MC birds_NN2 may_VM come_VVI to_II blows_NN2 and_CC even_RR indulge_VV0 in_II aerial_JJ combat_NN1 ._.

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Barn_NN1 <reg> Owl_NN1 </reg>

A_AT1 <reg> Barn_NN1 Owl_NN1 </reg> in_II his_APPGE barn_NN1

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Key_NN1

Wall_NN1 <gap desc="colour key">

Wood_NP1 <gap desc="colour key">

<note desc="text written vertically"> OWLS_NN2 </note>

The_AT owl_NN1 swivels_VVZ its_APPGE head_NN1 for_IF all-round_JJ vision_NN1 and_CC hearing_NN1

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Over_II a_AT1 long_JJ <reg> journey_NN1 </reg> the_AT <reg> barn_NN1 </reg> owl_NN1 carries_VVZ prey_NN1 in_II its_APPGE beak_NN1

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Key_JJ Facts_NN2

SIZES_NN2

Length_NN1 :_: 33-35cm_NN1 ._.

Wingspan_NP1 :_: 85-90cm_NN1

Weight_NN1 :_: 265-310g_NN1 ._.

BREEDING_NN1

Sexual_JJ maturity_NN1 :_: 1-2_MCMC years_NNT2

Breeding_NN1 Season_NNT1 :_: April-June_NP1 (_( <reg> Western_NP1 </reg> <reg> Europe_NP1 </reg> )_)

Broods_NN2 :_: Rarely_RR more_DAR than_CSN 1_MC1 ._.

incubation_NN1 :_: 30-31_MCMC days_NNT2

fledging_VVG period_NN1 :_: 55-60_MCMC days_NNT2

Eggs_NN2 3-9_MCMC

<reg> LIFESTYLE_NN1 </reg>

Habit_NN1 :_: Solitary_JJ or_CC in_II pairs_NN2

Diet_NN1 :_: mainly_RR voles_NN2 ,_, rats_NN2 and_CC shrews_NN2 ._. also_RR some_DD birds_NN2 ._.

Call_VV0 :_: screech_NN1 ,_, hiss_NN1 or_CC snore_NN1 ._.

Lifespan_NN1 :_: Up_RG21 to_RG22 18_MC years_NNT2 in_II the_AT wild_JJ ,_, longer_RRR in_II captivity_NN1 ,_, but_CCB few_DA2 live_VV0 longer_RRR than_CSN 2_MC years_NNT2 ._.

RELATED_JJ SPECIES_NN

There_EX are_VBR 10_MC species_NN in_II the_AT genus_NN1 Tyto_NN1 ._. The_AT barn_NN1 owl_NN1 is_VBZ divided_VVN into_II 35_MC subspecies_NN ._.

<reg> DISTRIBUTION_NN1 </reg>

The_AT 35_MC subspecies_NN of_IO barn_NN1 owl_NN1 occur_VV0 on_II all_DB <reg> continents_NN2 </reg> except_II Antarctica_NP1 ._. some_DD of_IO subspecies_NN are_VBR confined_VVN to_II small_JJ Oceanic_JJ islands_NN2 ,_, while_CS others_NN2 cover_VV0 entire_JJ continents_NN2 ._.

CONSERVATION_NN1

The_AT British_JJ population_NN1 totals_VVZ some_DD 10,000_MC <reg> individuals_NN2 </reg> in_II recent_JJ years_NNT2 a_AT1 decline_NN1 has_VHZ occurred_VVN ,_, probably_RR through_II <reg> changing_JJ </reg> farming_NN1 practices_NN2 and_CC loss_NN1 of_IO suitable_JJ nest_NN1 sites_NN2 ._.

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<gap desc="colour key"> Range_NN1 of_IO the_AT <reg> Barn_NN1 Owl_NN1 </reg>

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<note desc="written vertically"> OWLS_NN2 </note>

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HOW_RRQ THE_AT BARN_NN1 OWL_NN1 HEARS_VVZ

The_AT barn_NN1 owl_NN1 has_VHZ superb_JJ hearing_NN1 ._. and_CC a_AT1 large_JJ part_NN1 of_IO its_APPGE brain_NN1 is_VBZ <reg> devoted_JJ </reg> to_II sorting_VVG out_RP the_AT sounds_NN2 it_PPH1 hears_VVZ ._. The_AT ears_NN2 are_VBR asymmetrically_RR sited_VVN on_II the_AT barn_NN1 <reg> owl_NN1 's_GE </reg> head_NN1 ;_; one_PN1 lies_VVZ up_RP near_II the_AT owl_NN1 's_GE equivalent_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 forehead_NN1 and_CC the_AT other_NN1 is_VBZ level_JJ with_IW <sic> nostril_NN1 </sic> ._. The_AT ears_NN2 are_VBR so_RG sensitive_JJ that_CST they_PPHS2 are_VBR surrounded_VVN by_II small_JJ ,_, feathered_JJ flaps_NN2 which_DDQ can_VM be_VBI closed_VVN over_II the_AT delicate_JJ inner_JJ parts_NN2 if_CS noise_NN1 levels_NN2 rise_VV0 too_RG high_JJ ._. On_II still_JJ nights_NNT2 however_RRQV these_DD2 flaps_NN2 can_VM be_VBI erected_VVN to_TO catch_VVI the_AT faint_JJ squeaks_NN2 and_CC rustles_NN2 of_IO tiny_JJ prey_NN1 ._. Using_VVG its_APPGE ears_NN2 alone_RR the_AT owl_NN1 can_VM pinpoint_VVI the_AT position_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 small_JJ creature_NN1 ._. it_PPH1 can_VM time_VVI the_AT interval_NN1 between_II the_AT reception_NN1 of_IO the_AT sound_NN1 to_II each_DD1 ear_NN1 as_CSA humans_NN2 do_VD0 but_CCB with_IW far_RG greater_JJR <reg> accuracy_NN1 </reg>

ORDER_NN1 Strigiformes_NN2

FAMILY_NN1 Tytonidae_NP1

GENUS_NN1 &_CC SPECIES_NN Tyto_NP1 alba_NP1

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<note desc="written vertically"> OWLS_NN2 </note>

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The_AT BARN_NN1 OWL_NN1

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TAWNY_JJ OWL_NN1

Despite_II the_AT fact_NN1 that_CST it_PPH1 is_VBZ <reg> nocturnal_JJ </reg> and_CC <reg> therefore_RR </reg> more_RGR often_RR heard_VVN <note desc="word/s missing?"> seen_VVN ,_, the_AT hooting_NN1 "_" <sic> hoo_UH hoo-hoohoo_JJ </sic> "_" call_NN1 of_IO the_AT tawny_JJ owl_NN1 actually_RR makes_VVZ it_PPH1 one_MC1 of_IO the_AT most_RGT familiar_JJ of_IO British_JJ birds_NN2 ._. The_AT Tawny_JJ owl_NN1 is_VBZ common_JJ throughout_II Europe_NP1 where_CS its_APPGE colouring_NN1 varies_VVZ <note desc="word/s missing?"> grey_JJ to_II the_AT more_RGR familiar_JJ red-brown_NN1 seen_VVN in_II Britain_NP1 ._. A_AT1 natural-born_JJ hunter_NN1 ,_, it_PPH1 swoops_VVZ swiftly_RR on_II its_APPGE prey_NN1 and_CC can_VM even_RR catch_VVI a_AT1 bat_NN1 in_II flight_NN1 ._.

DID_VDD YOU_PPY KNOW_VVI ?_?

As_II31 well_II32 as_II33 the_AT familiar_JJ hooting_NN1 call_NN1 ,_, tawny_JJ owls_NN2 also_RR <reg> produce_VV0 </reg> a_AT1 loud_JJ "_" <sic> Ke-wick_NN1 </sic> "_" call_VV0 a_AT1 bubbling_JJ trill_NN1 ,_, a_AT1 loud_JJ moaning_NN1 and_CC a_AT1 loud_JJ hissing_JJ noise_NN1 ._. Tawny_JJ owls_NN2 locate_VV0 their_APPGE prey_NN1 by_II ear_NN1 ,_, turning_VVG their_APPGE heads_NN2 slowly_RR to_TO pinpoint_VVI the_AT location_NN1 of_IO prey_NN1 by_II sound_NN1 and_CC then_RT pouncing_VVG <note desc="word/s or punctuation missing?"> there_EX is_VBZ a_AT1 high_JJ death_NN1 rate_NN1 among_II owlets_NN2 as_CSA they_PPHS2 are_VBR forced_VVN to_TO find_VVI <reg> their_APPGE </reg> own_DA territory_NN1 almost_RR as_CS31 soon_CS32 as_CS33 they_PPHS2 become_VV0 independent_JJ ._. If_CS adjacent_JJ territories_NN2 are_VBR occupied_VVN the_AT young_JJ are_VBR unable_JK to_TO hunt_VVI and_CC starve_VVI to_II death_NN1 ._.

BREEDING_NN1

Tawny_JJ <reg> Owls_NN2 </reg> <reg> form_VV0 </reg> pairs_NN2 and_CC select_JJ nest_NN1 sites_NN2 in_II the_AT autumn_NNT1 ._. A_AT1 hole_NN1 in_II a_AT1 mature_JJ <reg> deciduous_JJ </reg> tree_NN1 is_VBZ a_AT1 favourite_JJ site_NN1 ,_, but_CCB disused_JJ nests_NN2 ,_, <sic> of_IO </sic> crevices_NN2 in_II rocks_NN2 and_CC buildings_NN2 may_VM also_RR be_VBI used_VVN They_PPHS2 advertise_VV0 their_APPGE territory_NN1 with_IW a_AT1 short_JJ "_" <sic> hooo_NN1 </sic> "_" followed_VVN by_II a_AT1 wavering_JJ "_" <sic> hoo-hoohoo-hoohoohoo_NN1 </sic> "_" ._. <reg> Courtship_NN1 </reg> involves_VVZ the_AT male_NN1 <reg> bringing_VVG </reg> food_NN1 to_II the_AT female_JJ several_DA2 weeks_NNT2 <reg> before_II </reg> mating_VVG <reg> Sometimes_RT </reg> a_AT1 swaying_JJ display_NN1 will_VM take_VVI place_NN1 and_CC <reg> mutual_JJ </reg> preening_NN1 also_RR cements_VVZ the_AT bond_NN1 ._. The_AT female_NN1 incubates_VVZ the_AT 2-5_MCMC eggs_NN2 ._. She_PPHS1 starts_VVZ with_IW the_AT first_MD egg_NN1 which_DDQ means_VVZ that_CST the_AT chicks_NN2 hatch_VV0 at_II intervals_NN2 and_CC then_RT sits_VVZ on_II the_AT chicks_NN2 <note desc="word/s or punctuation missing?"> While_CS the_AT <reg> male_NN1 </reg> brings_VVZ food_NN1 fledging_NN1 takes_VVZ about_RG five_MC weeks_NNT2 ._. The_AT young_JJ <note desc="word/s missing?"> fed_VVN by_II the_AT parents_NN2 until_CS <sic> the_AT </sic> are_VBR 2-3_MCMC months_NNT2 old_JJ <sic> the_AT </sic> are_VBR eventually_RR evicted_VVN from_II the_AT nest_NN1 and_CC have_VH0 to_TO find_VVI a_AT1 suitable_JJ territory_NN1 of_IO their_APPGE own_DA ._.

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Tawny_JJ owl_NN1

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With_IW its_APPGE sharp_JJ talons_NN2 outstretched_JJ the_AT tawny_JJ owl_NN1 swoops_VVZ down_RP on_II a_AT1 field_NN1 mouse_NN1

<note desc="written vertically"> Tawny_JJ Owl_NN1 </note>

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FOOD_NN1 &_CC HUNTING_NN1 ._.

As_II a_AT1 truly_RR nocturnal_JJ bird_NN1 ,_, the_AT tawny_JJ owl_NN1 's_GE hunting_NN1 takes_VVZ place_NN1 at_II night_NNT1 ._. Its_APPGE technique_NN1 is_VBZ to_TO wait_VVI quietly_RR on_II a_AT1 perch_NN and_CC then_RT glide_VV0 down_RP ,_, the_AT soft_JJ fringes_NN2 on_II its_APPGE flight_NN1 feathers_NN2 killing_VVG any_DD noise_NN1 the_AT bird_NN1 might_VM make_VVI while_CS moving_VVG through_II the_AT air_NN1 the_AT tawny_JJ <reg> owl_NN1 's_GE </reg> hearing_NN1 is_VBZ so_RG good_JJ that_CST it_PPH1 can_VM pinpoint_VVI prey_NN1 even_CS21 when_CS22 it_PPH1 is_VBZ too_RG dark_JJ to_TO see_VVI ._. The_AT Tawny_JJ owl_NN1 's_GE diet_NN1 can_VM be_VBI quite_RG varied_JJ and_CC often_RR depends_VVZ on_II habitat_NN1 in_II woodland_NN1 ,_, they_PPHS2 eat_VV0 mainly_RR small_JJ rodents_NN2 with_IW some_DD birds_NN2 ,_, shrews_NN2 ,_, worms_NN2 and_CC beetles_NN2 ._. In_II more_RGR urban_JJ areas_NN2 ,_, they_PPHS2 will_VM eat_VVI a_AT1 higher_JJR proportion_NN1 of_IO small_JJ birds_NN2 <reg> such_II21 </reg> as_II22 sparrows_NN2 and_CC starlings_NN2 ._. They_PPHS2 have_VH0 even_RR been_VBN known_VVN to_TO eat_VVI fish_NN from_II garden_NN1 ponds_NN2

SIZES_NN2

Length_NN1 :_: 37-39cm_NN1

Weight_NN1 :_: 400-530g_NN1

Wingspan_NP1 :_: 94-104cm_NN1 ._.

BREEDING_NN1

Sexual_JJ maturity_NN1 :_: 1-2_MCMC years_NNT2

Breeding_NN1 Season_NNT1 :_: <reg> February_NPM1 </reg> June_NP1

Eggs_NN2 ._. 2-5_MCMC white_NN1 one_MC1 brood_NN1

incubation_NN1 period_NN1 :_: 28-30_MCMC days_NNT2

fledging_VVG :_: 32-37_MCMC days_NNT2 ._.

LIFESTYLE_NN1

Habit_NN1 :_: mainly_RR resident_JJ ._. Pairs_NN2 for_IF life_NN1 ._. Usually_RR monogamous_JJ ._.

Diet_VV0 small_JJ mammals_NN2 birds_NN2 amphibians_NN2 ,_, worms_NN2 and_CC Beetles_NN2

Lifespan_NN1 :_: oldest_JJT wild_JJ bird_NN1 ,_, 19_MC years_NNT2 old_JJ ._.

RELATED_JJ SPECIES_NN

There_EX are_VBR two_MC closely_RR related_JJ species_NN in_II Europe_NP1 ,_, the_AT Ural_NP1 Owl_NN1 ,_, Strix_NP1 uralensis_NN1 and_CC the_AT great_JJ Grey_JJ owl_NN1 ,_, Strix_NP1 nebulosa_NN1 Both_DB2 are_VBR larger_JJR than_CSN the_AT tawny_JJ owl_NN1 ._.

DISTRIBUTION_NN1

Europe_NP1 except_II <reg> northern_JJ </reg> Scandinavia_NP1 parts_NN2 of_IO north_ND1 Africa_NP1 Western_NP1 USSR_NP1 Afghanistan_NP1 and_CC China_NP1 ._.

CONSERVATION_NN1

Not_XX <reg> uncommon_JJ </reg> over_II most_DAT of_IO its_APPGE range_NN1 ._. As_CSA with_IW many_DA2 birds_NN2 of_IO Prey_NN1 ,_, it_PPH1 suffered_VVD as_II a_AT1 result_NN1 of_IO organochlorine_JJ <reg> pesticides_NN2 </reg> like_II DDT_NP1 ._. In_II Britain_NP1 there_EX are_VBR 50-100,000_MCMC pairs_NN2 The_AT tawny_JJ owl_NN1 is_VBZ absent_JJ from_II Ireland_NP1 ._. The_AT Tawny_JJ owl_NN1 seems_VVZ purpose-built_JJ for_IF hunting_NN1 ._. little_RR <sic> escape_VV0 </sic> its_APPGE sharp_JJ <sic> eye_NN1 </sic> or_CC ears_NN2 and_CC its_APPGE soft_JJ plumage_NN1 and_CC down_RP fringed_JJ under-wings_NN2 enable_VV0 it_PPH1 to_TO fly_VVI <reg> silently_RR </reg> down_RP onto_II an_AT1 unsuspecting_JJ victim_NN1

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The_AT Tawny_JJ owl_NN1

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An_AT1 owl_NN1 catches_VVZ its_APPGE prey_NN1 !_!

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<gap desc="colour key"> Range_NN1 of_IO tawny_JJ owls_NN2

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SHORT-EARED_JJ OWL_NN1

The_AT short-eared_JJ owl_NN1 lives_VVZ in_II the_AT open_JJ spaces_NN2 of_IO marshes_NN2 and_CC moorland_NN1 ,_, although_CS it_PPH1 also_RR frequents_VVZ conifer_NN1 plantations_NN2 where_CS it_PPH1 can_VM be_VBI assured_VVN of_IO a_AT1 good_JJ supply_NN1 of_IO voles_NN2 ._. The_AT short-eared_JJ owl_NN1 has_VHZ bold_JJ yellow_JJ eyes_NN2 that_CST gives_VVZ it_PPH1 a_AT1 fiercesome-looking_JJ expression_NN1 as_CSA it_PPH1 searches_VVZ the_AT ground_NN1 ,_, from_II its_APPGE observation_NN1 post_NN1 for_IF signs_NN2 of_IO prey_NN1 ._. It_PPH1 can_VM be_VBI seen_VVN all_DB the_AT year_NNT1 round_RP in_II Britain_NP1 ,_, but_CCB many_DA2 pairs_NN2 migrate_VV0 to_II warmer_JJR climes_NN2 during_II the_AT winter_NNT1 ._.

DID_VDD YOU_PPY Know_VV0

The_AT short_JJ "_" ears_NN2 "_" that_CST give_VV0 this_DD1 owl_NN1 its_APPGE common_JJ name_NN1 are_VBR not_XX ears_NN2 at_RR21 all_RR22 ,_, but_CCB tufts_NN2 of_IO tiny_JJ feathers_NN2 ._. The_AT ears_NN2 themselves_PPX2 are_VBR not_XX normally_RR visible_JJ ._. one_PN1 migrating_VVG short-_JJ <reg> eared_JJ </reg> owl_NN1 <reg> travelled_VVD </reg> 3345km_NNU from_II Tunisia_NP1 to_II Arkangel_NP1 in_II the_AT USSR_NP1 -_- the_AT longest_RRT recorded_VVN journey_NN1 made_VVN by_II this_DD1 species_NN ._.

BREEDING_NN1

April_NP1 heralds_VVZ the_AT start_NN1 of_IO the_AT breeding_NN1 season_NNT1 ._. During_II this_DD1 period_NN1 the_AT male_NN1 makes_VVZ circling_VVG display_NN1 flights_NN2 over_II the_AT breeding_NN1 territory_NN1 while_CS singing_VVG his_APPGE courtship_NN1 song_NN1 to_TO attract_VVI a_AT1 female_NN1 ._. After_II mating_VVG the_AT pair_NN will_VM scrape_VVI out_RP a_AT1 hollow_NN1 on_II the_AT ground_NN1 and_CC line_VV0 it_PPH1 with_IW dry_JJ plant_NN1 material_NN1 ._. The_AT eggs_NN2 are_VBR laid_VVN at_II two-day_JJ intervals_NN2 and_CC the_AT female_NN1 incubates_VVZ each_DD1 egg_NN1 for_IF 24-28_MCMC days_NNT2 ._. relying_VVG on_II her_APPGE mate_NN1 to_TO bring_VVI her_APPGE food_NN1 the_AT young_JJ hatch_NN1 with_IW their_APPGE eyes_NN2 closed_VVN and_CC are_VBR covered_VVN in_II a_AT1 white_JJ down_II <reg> which_DDQ </reg> soon_RR changes_VVZ to_II a_AT1 light_JJ buff_JJ colour_NN1 ._. both_DB2 parents_NN2 feed_VV0 the_AT chicks_NN2 ._. They_PPHS2 are_VBR caring_VVG ._. and_CC will_VM defend_VVI their_APPGE brood_NN1 vigorously_RR against_II any_DD intruder_NN1 ._. when_CS the_AT chicks_NN2 are_VBR little_RR more_DAR than_CSN a_AT1 fortnight_NNT1 old_JJ they_PPHS2 will_VM explore_VVI the_AT area_NN1 around_II the_AT nest_NN1 ,_, hiding_VVG in_II the_AT <reg> undergrowth_NN1 </reg> ._. They_PPHS2 are_VBR fledged_VVN at_II 24-27_MCMC days_NNT2 but_CCB stay_VV0 within_II the_AT nest_NN1 area_NN1 until_CS they_PPHS2 are_VBR competent_JJ fliers_NN2 ._. In_II good_JJ conditions_NN2 ,_, the_AT parents_NN2 may_VM raise_VVI a_AT1 second_MD brood_NN1 in_II the_AT same_DA year_NNT1 their_APPGE offspring_NN will_VM be_VBI ready_JJ to_TO breed_VVI by_II the_AT following_JJ spring_NN1 ._.

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The_AT Short-Eeared_JJ owl_NN1

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HABITS_NN2

In_II flight_NN1 the_AT Short-eared_JJ owl_NN1 behaves_VVZ rather_RR like_II the_AT harrier_NN1 ,_, as_CSA it_PPH1 quarters_VVZ the_AT ground_NN1 below_RL in_II a_AT1 series_NN of_IO hovers_VVZ ,_, or_CC glides_NN2 and_CC weaves_VVZ with_IW its_APPGE wings_NN2 formed_VVN into_II a_AT1 shallow_JJ V-shape._JJ if_CS cornered_VVN on_II the_AT ground_NN1 ,_, the_AT owl_NN1 will_VM try_VVI to_TO scare_VVI its_APPGE enemy_NN1 by_II spreading_VVG its_APPGE wings_NN2 and_CC ruffling_VVG is_VBZ feathers_NN2 :_: this_DD1 way_NN1 the_AT owl_NN1 looks_VVZ much_DA1 larger_JJR than_CSN it_PPH1 really_RR is_VBZ ._. This_DD1 impressive_JJ threat_NN1 behaviour_NN1 is_VBZ typical_JJ of_IO several_DA2 ground_JJ nesting_NN1 birds_NN2 ._. many_DA2 short-eared_JJ owls_NN2 breed_VV0 in_II Britain_NP1 ,_, But_CCB <reg> usually_RR </reg> spend_VV0 the_AT winter_NNT1 in_II Ireland_NP1 ,_, France_NP1 ,_, Spain_NP1 <note desc="word/s or punctuationmissing?"> other_JJ parts_NN2 of_IO <reg> Southern_JJ </reg> Europe_NP1 ._. Some_DD of_IO the_AT owls_NN2 seen_VVN in_II Britain_NP1 in_II the_AT winter_NNT1 months_NNT2 are_VBR migrants_NN2 ,_, mostly_RR from_II <reg> Scandinavia_NP1 </reg> and_CC will_VM not_XX return_VVI home_RL until_CS the_AT start_NN1 of_IO the_AT breeding_NN1 season_NNT1 ._.

Food_NN1 &_CC HUNTING_NN1

The_AT owl_NN1 <reg> hunts_VVZ </reg> during_II the_AT <sic> day_NNT1 time_NNT1 </sic> ._. Quartering_VVG the_AT ground_NN1 below_RL in_II31 search_II32 of_II33 small_JJ mammals_NN2 such_II21 as_II22 voles_NN2 and_CC mice_NN2 ,_, the_AT Short-eared_JJ owl_NN1 relies_VVZ on_II its_APPGE excellent_JJ sight_NN1 and_CC hearing_VVG to_TO locate_VVI prey_NN1 ._. <reg> When_RRQ </reg> not_XX hunting_VVG from_II the_AT air_NN1 the_AT owl_NN1 will_VM sit_VVI silently_RR on_II a_AT1 lookout_NN1 post_NN1 waiting_VVG and_CC watching_VVG ._. once_RR prey_NN1 has_VHZ been_VBN located_VVN the_AT owl_NN1 will_VM swoop_VVI down_RP and_CC seize_VVI the_AT victim_NN1 in_II its_APPGE sharp_JJ talons_NN2 ._. The_AT prey_NN1 is_VBZ swallowed_VVN head-first_RR and_CC whole_JJ while_CS the_AT bird_NN1 is_VBZ on_II the_AT ground_NN1 ._. Indigestible_JJ material_NN1 such_II21 as_II22 bones_NN2 and_CC fur_NN1 is_VBZ regurgitated_VVN in_II the_AT form_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 pellet_NN1 ._.

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KEY_JJ FACTS_NN2

SIZES_NN2

Length_NN1 :_: 36-39cm_NN1 ._.

Weight_NN1 :_: 280-360gm_NN1 ._.

Wingspan_NP1 :_: 95-110cm_NN1

BREEDING_NN1

Sexual_JJ maturity_NN1 :_: 1_MC1 year_NNT1

Breeding_NN1 Season_NNT1 April-June_NP1

EGGS_NN2 4_MC ,_, -10_MC White_NP1

Incubation_NN1 period_NN1 :_: 24-28_MCMC <sic> day_NNT1 </sic> per_II egg_NN1

Fledging_VVG 24-27_MCMC days_NNT2

<reg> LIFESTYLE_NN1 </reg>

Habit_NN1 :_: usually_RR seen_VVN singly_RR or_CC at_RR21 most_RR22 in_II pairs_NN2

Diet_NN1 :_: mainly_RR voles_NN2 <reg> but_CCB </reg> will_VM take_VVI <reg> other_JJ </reg> small_JJ rodents_NN2 ._.

Call_VV0 High-_NN1 <reg> pitched_VVD </reg> "_" <sic> kew_NN1 </sic> "_" sound_NN1 when_CS disturbed_VVN ._. Male_JJ <reg> courting_NN1 </reg> sound_NN1 is_VBZ a_AT1 dull-sounding_JJ <sic> boo-boo_JJ </sic> noise_NN1 young_JJ hisses_NN2 ._.

<reg> RELATED_JJ </reg> SPECIES_NN

The_AT short-eared_JJ owl_NN1 often_RR shares_VVZ its_APPGE range_NN1 with_IW the_AT nocturnal_JJ long-eared_JJ owl_NN1 Asia_NP1 otus_NN1 ._.

<reg> DISTRIBUTION_NN1 </reg>

Breeds_NN2 in_II <reg> northern_JJ </reg> <reg> United_NP1 States_NP1 </reg> ,_, South_ND1 America_NP1 ,_, northern_JJ Europe_NP1 ,_, Asia_NP1 ._. Winters_NNT2 in_II <reg> Southern_JJ </reg> United_NP1 States_NP1 ,_, Southern_JJ Europe_NP1 ,_, Sub-Saharan_JJ Africa_NP1 ,_, India_NP1 and_CC Southern_JJ Asia_NP1

Conservation_NN1

Appears_VVZ to_TO be_VBI in_II no_AT danger_NN1 at_RR21 present_RR22 ._. in_II a_AT1 year_NNT1 when_RRQ voles_NN2 are_VBR <reg> scarce_RR </reg> there_EX are_VBR about_RG 1000_MC pairs_NN2 in_II Britain_NP1 and_CC there_EX <reg> may_VM </reg> be_VBI up_RG21 to_RG22 10,000_MC pairs_NN2 in_II the_AT year_NNT1 after_II a_AT1 glut_NN1 of_IO voles_NN2

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The_AT Short-Eared_JJ owl_NN1

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<gap desc="colour key"> Range_NN1 of_IO the_AT short-eared_JJ owl_NN1

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Long-EARED_JJ Owl_NN1

One_MC1 of_IO the_AT most_RGT elusive_JJ of_IO birds_NN2 ,_, the_AT long-eared_JJ is_VBZ a_AT1 <reg> skilful_JJ </reg> predator_NN1 which_DDQ emerges_VVZ at_II night_NNT1 on_II silent_JJ wings_NN2 to_TO haunt_VVI the_AT woods_NN2 of_IO Europe_NP1 ,_, Asia_NP1 and_CC North_ND1 America_NP1 ._. The_AT long_JJ eared_JJ owl_NN1 's_GE ears_NN2 have_VH0 nothing_PN1 to_TO do_VDI with_IW its_APPGE keen_JJ hearing_NN1 ._. but_CCB are_VBR just_RR feathery_JJ tufts_NN2 that_CST stand_VV0 erect_JJ when_CS the_AT owl_NN1 is_VBZ <reg> alert_JJ </reg> ._. The_AT real_JJ ears_NN2 ,_, on_II the_AT sides_NN2 of_IO the_AT head_NN1 ,_, enable_VV0 the_AT owl_NN1 to_TO detect_VVI the_AT <reg> faintest_JJT </reg> squeak_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 far-distant_JJ vole_NN

DID_VDD YOU_PPY <reg> KNOW_VVI </reg>

The_AT long-Eared_JJ owl_NN1 has_VHZ such_DA a_AT1 flexible_JJ neck_NN1 that_CST it_PPH1 can_VM turn_VVI its_APPGE head_NN1 through_II 270_MC degrees_NN2 ._. When_CS a_AT1 long-_JJ eared_JJ owl_NN1 moves_VVZ <reg> into_II </reg> an_AT1 area_NN1 <note desc="word/s missing?"> woodland_NN1 ,_, small_JJ birds_NN2 band_NN1 ._. together_RL to_TO mob_VVI it_PPH1 in_II the_AT hope_NN1 of_IO driving_VVG it_PPH1 away_RL ._. During_II the_AT cold_JJ weather_NN1 of_IO autumn_NNT1 and_CC winter_NNT1 ,_, small_JJ parties_NN2 of_IO long-eared_JJ owls_NN2 may_VM join_VVI up_RP in_II a_AT1 wood_NN1 to_TO roost_VVI together_RL ._.

BREEDING_NN1

Courtship_NN1 begins_VVZ early_RR in_II spring_NN1 ,_, sometimes_RT before_II the_AT owl_NN1 performs_VVZ a_AT1 courtship_NN1 display_NN1 in_II which_DDQ it_PPH1 claps_VVZ its_APPGE wings_NN2 together_RL in_II a_AT1 slow_JJ ,_, lazy_JJ flight_NN1 ._. The_AT long-eared_JJ owl_NN1 rarely_RR builds_VVZ its_APPGE own_DA nest_NN1 ,_, taking_VVG over_RP and_CC adding_VVG material_NN1 to_II the_AT abandoned_JJ nest_NN1 of_IO other_JJ birds_NN2 such_II21 as_II22 crows_NN2 ,_, hawks_NN2 ,_, magpies_NN2 and_CC ravens_NN2 it_PPH1 may_VM even_RR use_VVI a_AT1 squirrel_NN1 's_GE <reg> drey_NN1 </reg> ._. in_II open_JJ country_NN1 such_II21 as_II22 heath-land_NN1 the_AT long-Eared_JJ </reg> owl_NN1 may_VM build_VVI its_APPGE nest_NN1 on_II the_AT ground_NN1 ._. the_AT female_NN1 lays_VVZ 4-6_MCMC pure_JJ white_JJ eggs_NN2 ,_, slightly_RR smaller_JJR than_CSN those_DD2 of_IO a_AT1 hen_NN1 ._. Incubation_NN1 starts_VVZ as_CS31 soon_CS32 as_CS33 the_AT first_MD egg_NN1 is_VBZ laid_VVN ,_, so_RR ,_, the_AT young_JJ do_VD0 not_XX hatch_VVI at_RR21 once_RR22 The_AT male_NN1 does_VDZ not_XX share_VVI the_AT incubation_NN1 ,_, but_CCB keeps_VVZ his_APPGE mate_NN1 and_CC the_AT owlets_NN2 well_RR supplied_VVN with_IW food_NN1 ,_, passing_VVG it_PPH1 to_II the_AT female_JJ to_TO give_VVI to_II the_AT young_JJ ._. In_II years_NNT2 when_RRQ food_NN1 is_VBZ scarce_JJ ,_, only_RR the_AT larger_JJR ,_, older_JJR <sic> hatch-lings_NN2 </sic> survive_VV0 ._. The_AT owlets_NN2 are_VBR covered_VVN with_IW white_JJ down_NN1 ._. Their_APPGE plumage_NN1 turns_VVZ grey_JJ and_CC then_RT brown_JJ within_II a_AT1 few_DA2 days_NNT2 ._. To_TO lure_VVI a_AT1 predator_NN1 from_II her_APPGE young_JJ ,_, the_AT female_NN1 may_VM pretend_VVI to_TO have_VHI a_AT1 broken_JJ wing_NN1 ._. The_AT young_JJ leave_NN1 the_AT nest_NN1 after_II 21-24_MCMC days_NNT2 and_CC climb_VV0 on_II nearby_JJ branches_NN2 <reg> learning_VVG </reg> to_TO balance_VVI <reg> and_CC </reg> <reg> grip_VVI </reg> At_II 30_MC days_NNT2 they_PPHS2 can_VM fly_VVI and_CC begin_VVI hunting_NN1 after_II 60_MC days_NNT2

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Food_NN1 &_CC Hunting_NN1

The_AT owl_NN1 feeds_VVZ mostly_RR on_II field_NN1 mice_NN2 ,_, as_II31 well_II32 as_II33 large_JJ numbers_NN2 of_IO voles_NN2 ,_, shrews_NN2 and_CC rats_NN2 ._. If_CS nothing_PN1 else_RR is_VBZ available_JJ it_PPH1 may_VM take_VVI small_JJ birds_NN2 ,_, such_II21 as_II22 sparrows_NN2 and_CC finches_NN2 ,_, or_CC even_RR larger_JJR birds_NN2 such_II21 as_II22 <reg> jays_NN2 </reg> ._. When_CS seeking_VVG food_NN1 for_IF the_AT young_JJ the_AT male_NN1 catches_VVZ large_JJ quantities_NN2 of_IO insects_NN2 ,_, especially_RR beetles_NN2 such_II21 as_II22 cockchafers_NN2 ._. The_AT long-Eared_JJ owl_NN1 searches_NN2 for_IF prey_NN1 over_II <reg> fields_NN2 </reg> and_CC other_JJ open_JJ country_NN1 ,_, gliding_VVG silently_RR as_CSA it_PPH1 watches_VVZ and_CC listens_VVZ closely_RR for_IF the_AT slightest_JJT sign_NN1 of_IO prey_NN1 ._. it_PPH1 has_VHZ excellent_JJ night_NNT1 vision_NN1 and_CC acute_JJ hearing_NN1 ._. when_CS it_PPH1 detects_VVZ the_AT <reg> rustling_NN1 </reg> of_IO a_AT1 small_JJ creature_NN1 ,_, it_PPH1 swoops_VVZ with_IW deadly_JJ accuracy_NN1 ._.

HABITS_NN2

The_AT owl_NN1 is_VBZ mainly_RR a_AT1 bird_NN1 of_IO pine_NN1 woods_NN2 ,_, but_CCB is_VBZ also_RR found_VVN in_II mixed_JJ woodlands_NN2 and_CC has_VHZ been_VBN known_VVN to_TO nest_VVI on_II heaths_NN2 and_CC marshland_NN1 ._. It_PPH1 is_VBZ common_JJ in_II Europe_NP1 ,_, Asia_NP1 ,_, North_ND1 America_NP1 and_CC north_ND1 Africa_NP1 it_PPH1 avoids_VVZ very_RG cold_JJ Areas_NN2 and_CC migrates_VVZ Southwards_RL from_II the_AT <reg> northern_JJ </reg> part_NN1 of_IO its_APPGE range_NN1 in_II winter_NNT1 ._. Soft_JJ feathers_NN2 give_VV0 the_AT owl_NN1 its_APPGE flight_NN1 ._. At_II times_NNT2 ,_, however_RGQV especially_RR during_II the_AT breeding_NN1 season_NNT1 ,_, it_PPH1 can_VM be_VBI noisy_JJ bird_NN1 with_IW a_AT1 wide_JJ range_NN1 of_IO <reg> calls_NN2 </reg> that_CST echo_VV0 through_II the_AT <reg> coniferous_JJ </reg> and_CC mixed_VVD woods_NN2 ._. The_AT main_JJ <note desc="uncertain punctuation"> ._. </note> call_NN1 is_VBZ a_AT1 long_RR "_" <sic> oo-oo-oo_UH </sic> "_" ,_, which_DDQ it_PPH1 <reg> repeats_VVZ </reg> <reg> every_AT1 </reg> few_DA2 seconds_NNT2 it_PPH1 also_RR utters_VVZ a_AT1 cat-like_JJ whine_NN1 ,_, a_AT1 shrill_JJ whistle_NN1 and_CC a_AT1 barking_JJ sound_NN1 The_AT young_JJ make_VV0 a_AT1 call_NN1 ,_, <reg> somewhere_RL </reg> between_II a_AT1 mew_NN1 and_CC the_AT sound_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 gate_NN1 hinge_NN1 that_CST needs_VVZ oiling_VVG ._. It_PPH1 is_VBZ rarely_RR seen_VVN flying_VVG by_II day_NNT1 ,_, when_RRQ it_PPH1 normally_RR roosts_VVZ ,_, sitting_VVG very_RG erect_JJ on_II a_AT1 branch_NN1 to_TO look_VVI like_II a_AT1 woody_JJ stump_NN1 <sic> of_IO </sic> <reg> flattened_JJ </reg> <note desc="word/s missing?"> against_II a_AT1 tree_NN1 trunk_NN1 ,_, where_CS its_APPGE <reg desc="uncertain"> mottled_JJ </reg> feathers_NN2 blend_VV0 with_IW its_APPGE back_NN1 ground_NN1 to_TO provide_VVI excellent_JJ camouflage_NN1 if_CS <note desc="uncertain punctuation"> ._. </note> disturbed_JJ ,_, the_AT owl_NN1 spreads_VVZ its_APPGE wings_NN2 and_CC utters_VVZ hissing_VVG and_CC snapping_VVG noises_NN2 ._.

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KEY_JJ FACTS_NN2

SIZES_NN2

Length_NN1 :_: 35-37cm_NN1 ._.

Wingspan_NP1 :_: 90-160cm_NN1 ._.

Weight_NN1 :_: 250-300g_NN1 ._.

BREEDING_NN1

Breeding_NN1 Season_NNT1 :_: March-April_NP1 ._.

eggs_NN2 :_: 4-6_MCMC white_NN1

No._NN1 of_IO broods_NN2 :_: 1_MC1 ._.

Incubation_NN1 period_NN1 :_: 24-28_MCMC days_NNT2

Fledging_NP1 :_: 30_MC days_NNT2

LIFESTYLE_NN1

Habit_NN1 :_: mainly_RR resident_JJ ,_, <reg> northern_JJ </reg> birds_NN2 move_VV0 south_ND1 in_II winter_NNT1

Diet_NN1 :_: Small_NP1 rodents_NN2 and_CC small_JJ birds_NN2 ._. young_JJ are_VBR fed_VVN on_II insects_NN2

RELATED_JJ SPECIES_NN

The_AT closest_JJT <reg> relative_NN1 </reg> is_VBZ <note desc="word/s missing?"> short-eared_JJ owl_NN1 There_EX are_VBR 4_MC other_JJ species_NN in_II the_AT genus_NN1 ;_; the_AT stygion_NN1 owl_NN1 ,_, the_AT African_JJ marsh_NN1 owl_NN1 and_CC the_AT madagascar_NN1 long-eared_JJ owl_NN1 ._.

DISTRIBUTION_NN1

The_AT long-eared_JJ owl_NN1 inhabits_VVZ the_AT coniferous_JJ forests_NN2 and_CC mixed_JJ woodland_NN1 of_IO parts_NN2 of_IO North_NP1 America_NP1 ,_, Europe_NP1 and_CC Asia_NP1 ,_, except_II21 for_II22 the_AT most_RGT northerly_JJ regions_NN2 ._. it_PPH1 is_VBZ also_RR found_VVN in_II north_ND1 and_CC northeast_ND1 Africa_NP1

CONSERVATION_NN1

The_AT long-eared_JJ owl_NN1 <note desc="word/s missing?"> common_JJ throughout_II most_DAT of_IO its_APPGE range_NN1 ._. Humans_NN2 are_VBR its_APPGE only_JJ real_JJ enemy_NN1

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Long-EARED_JJ owl_NN1

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Range_NN1 of_IO the_AT <reg> long-eared_JJ owl_NN1 </reg>

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