Description
The Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) is a distinctive owl of open landscapes and one of the migratory owl species that can be encountered in India during winter. This original wildlife photograph captures a Short-eared Owl flying directly toward the camera, creating a striking head-on view of the bird in flight.
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 family Strigidae. It is strongly associated with open habitats, particularly grasslands, marshes and other landscapes where it can hunt close to the ground.
The species has brown and buff plumage with extensive streaking, a broad facial disk and long, broad wings. Its ear tufts are relatively short and are often difficult to see, giving the species its common name.
The Short-eared Owl’s cryptic plumage provides effective camouflage when it is resting among grasses and other low vegetation.
Short-eared Owl in Flight
Short-eared Owls are fascinating subjects for bird photographers because they frequently hunt while flying low over open ground.
This photograph captures the bird head-on during flight, showing the symmetrical shape of its wings and the distinctive facial appearance of the owl as it approaches the camera.
A head-on flight photograph provides a different perspective from a traditional side-profile bird photograph. The viewer can appreciate the owl’s facial disk, eyes, body shape and wing structure while the bird is airborne.
Short-eared Owl in India
The Short-eared Owl is a winter migrant in India and is associated with grassland habitat. The State of India’s Birds 2025 information lists Asio flammeus as a winter migrant and identifies grassland as its habitat specialization. The species has a global conservation classification of Least Concern.
Winter sightings make the species particularly interesting to Indian birdwatchers and wildlife photographers searching for migratory birds in suitable open habitats.
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 across the body
- Broad facial disk
- Yellow eyes
- Short, inconspicuous ear tufts
- Pale markings on the wings
- Low hunting flight over open habitats
The species’ ear tufts are usually not prominent, despite the name “Short-eared Owl.”
Photography Details
Common Name: Short-eared Owl
Scientific Name: Asio flammeus
Subject: Short-eared Owl Head-on in Flight
Family: Strigidae
Bird Type: Owl / Bird of Prey
Migratory Status in India: Winter Migrant
Habitat: Grassland / Open Habitat
Location: 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 is part of the Focused Nature By AJ collection documenting India’s birds, migratory species and wildlife in their natural habitats.
This image can be used for bird identification resources, educational projects, wildlife articles, nature websites, editorial content, conservation-related material and approved commercial applications according to the selected license.
Image Licensing
Personal Use
Suitable for personal collections, wallpapers and other non-commercial personal projects.
Commercial Use
Suitable for websites, digital marketing, advertising, social media, business presentations and other approved commercial applications.
Printing & Publication
Suitable for magazines, books, newspapers, calendars, educational publications, exhibitions and other approved printed or editorial uses.
Explore More Indian Owl Photography
Explore more original owl photographs, Short-eared Owl photography, Indian bird photography, migratory bird photography and wildlife photographs captured by Amarjeetsinh Jhala.
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