Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) in Flight – Gujarat, India

Description

The Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) is a distinctive medium-sized owl known for its long wings, broad facial disk and habit of hunting over open landscapes. This original wildlife photograph captures a Short-eared Owl in flight, showcasing the species’ characteristic wing shape and brown, streaked plumage.

The photograph was captured in the wild by wildlife photographer Amarjeetsinh Jhala and is part of the Focused Nature By AJ collection of original Indian bird and wildlife photography.

About the Short-eared Owl

The Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) belongs to the owl family Strigidae. Unlike many owl species that are primarily associated with forests and dense vegetation, Short-eared Owls are strongly associated with open habitats such as grasslands, marshes and fields.

It is a relatively medium-sized owl with long wings and a distinctive facial appearance. Its predominantly brown plumage is marked with streaking and mottling, providing effective camouflage in open grassland environments.

One of its most distinctive features is the pale patch visible on the upper surface of the wings, which can be particularly noticeable when the bird is flying.

Short-eared Owl in Flight

Short-eared Owls are particularly interesting subjects for wildlife photographers because they often hunt while flying relatively low over open ground.

During flight, their long, broad wings and characteristic wing markings become clearly visible. Their flight can appear buoyant and deliberate as they search the ground for prey.

Capturing a Short-eared Owl in flight requires patience, accurate focusing and a fast enough shutter speed to freeze wing movement. This photograph records one such moment in the wild.

Short-eared Owl in India

The Short-eared Owl is a winter migrant in India, and the species is associated with grassland habitats. State of India’s Birds identifies Asio flammeus as a winter migrant with grassland habitat specialization. The species is classified as Least Concern globally.

Its presence in open landscapes makes winter sightings particularly interesting for Indian birdwatchers and wildlife photographers looking for migratory birds.

Identification Features

The Short-eared Owl can be recognized by several characteristic features:

• Medium-sized owl
• Long, broad wings
• Brown and buff plumage
• Dark streaking on the body
• Prominent facial disk
• Short ear tufts that are often difficult to see
• Pale wing markings visible during flight
• Low, searching flight over open habitats

The species’ “short ears” are actually small ear tufts that are usually not conspicuous, which is one reason the owl can appear quite different from other eared owl species.

Photography Details

Common Name: Short-eared Owl
Scientific Name: Asio flammeus
Subject: Short-eared Owl in Flight
Family: Strigidae
Bird Type: Owl / Bird of Prey
Migratory Status: Winter Migrant in India
Habitat: Grassland / Open Habitat
Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Photographer: Amarjeetsinh Jhala

Camera and Lens

Camera: Nikon D7200
Lens: NIKKOR 200–500mm

About This Photograph

This is an original wildlife photograph captured in the wild by wildlife photographer Amarjeetsinh Jhala.

The photograph forms part of the Focused Nature By AJ collection of original Indian bird photography, owl photography and wildlife photography.

The image is suitable for bird identification resources, educational material, wildlife articles, nature websites, editorial projects, conservation-related content and approved commercial applications according to the selected license.

Image Licensing

Personal Use

Suitable for personal collections, wallpapers and other non-commercial personal projects.

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Suitable for websites, digital marketing, advertising, social media, business presentations and other approved commercial applications.

Printing & Publication

Suitable for magazines, books, newspapers, calendars, educational material, exhibitions and other approved printed or editorial uses.

Explore More Indian Bird Photography

Explore more original owl photographs, Indian bird photography, wildlife photography from India and photographs of migratory birds captured by Amarjeetsinh Jhala.

Focused Nature By AJ documents birds and wildlife in their natural habitats, with selected photographs available for personal, commercial and printing & publication licensing.