The short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) is named after the two short feather tufts on top of its head which look like ears, though they are usually hard to see as they lay flat to the head. The birds real ears are hidden away on the side of the head covered in feathers. The short-eared owl is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. It prefers the open country of grasslands and marshes, inhabiting areas where small mammals are plentiful – but occasionally takes small birds.
