Second smallest medium owl species in Montana
The song of the Short-eared Owl is a series of a dozen or more hoots that is typically sung by the male during courtship. These owls are often daytime hunters, so their calls are more likely heard during the day. During courtship, these birds can be seen doing “sky dancing” where they hit their wings below them making a clapping sound three to six times in a row.
Both the males and females may make a bark, screech, or cluck call to defend the nest or offspring. Otherwise, these birds are not especially vocal.
