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Short-eared Owl
Adult--Upper parts except tail brownish, the feathers edged with buff; the tail has bands of deep buff and dark brown; breast light to dark buff with streaks of dark brown, heavily marked on breast and more finely on belly; the ear-tufts are very short and close together. Length--15.50.
Breeding Range--Throughout the United States.
The nest is made of soft grass, sticks, and a few feathers from the parent bird, and is placed on the ground in a depression, beneath a log or in a burrow (Davie). 4 to 7 white eggs are laid. Size--1.55 x 1.25.
The Short-eared or Marsh Owl, unlike most other members of its family, lives away from the woods and may generally be found in large swamps or marshes. Formerly it was known to breed in Massachusetts, but Brewster says, "I know of no authentic record of its breeding in any part of New England within the past ten years." In Ohio the nesting season begins about the end of March.