Short-eared owl

Asio flammeus

Though they're as much an owl as any other species, short-ears have some behavior not generally attributed to the family.

Short-eared owls commonly hunt during the first and last hours of daylight.

They also hunt while flying low and slowly and may roost on the grassy ground as often as in trees.

Short-eared owls seldom nest in Kansas, but are common winter migrations.

The birds have recently been seen in some grassy fields near northeast Wichita.

Like most owls, they largely prey on small mammals like mice and voles.