A Long-eared Owl - Asio otus sitting on the tree at sunset. The Long-eared Owl - Asio otus is a species of owl which breeds in Europe, Asia, and North America. This species is a part of the larger grouping of owls known as typical owls, family Strigidae, which contains most species of owl. The other grouping of owls are the barn owls, family Tytonidae. The Long-eared Owl is a medium sized owl, 31ââ¬â40 cm (12ââ¬â16 in) in length with an 86ââ¬â100 cm (34ââ¬â39 in) wingspan and a body mass of 178ââ¬â435 g (6.3ââ¬â15.3 oz). It has erect blackish ear-tufts, which are positioned in the center of the head. The ear-tufts are used to make the owl appear larger to other owls while perched. The female is larger in size and darker in coloration than the male. The Long-eared Owlââ¬â¢s brownish feathers are vertically streaked. Tarsus and toes are entirely feathered. Eye disks are also characteristic in this species. However, the eye disks of A. otus are darker in color or rusty-orange. This nocturnal species is perhaps most easily seen perched in a tree in its daytime roost, sometimes in small groups during the winter months.This photo was taken in Mogosoaia city, near Bucharest, Romania
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