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The Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) is a widespread northern hemisphere species which occurs in North America, Europe and Asia. There are four subspecies generally recognised: Asio otus tuftsi is found in western Canada south to northern Mexico - Asio otus wilsonianus breeds in central and eastern Canada south to eastern USA - Asio otus otus occurs in Asia, Europe and North Africa - Asio otus canariensis is endemic to the Canary Islands. The northern part of the population is migratory and disperses south before the onset of winter. Breeding habitat includes both deciduous woodland and conifer plantations with access to open country side for hunting. Prey items include a wide variety of small vertebrates, mainly mice, voles, shrews, rats and to a lesser extent reptiles and birds. Text © www.rawbirds.com