An uncommon owl in Portugal, and although recorded as only over-wintering or on migration, I have found Short-eared Owls hunting crepescularly over marshland throughout the year and in communal winter roosts of thick foliage.

Its blunt face in flight is distinctive and the only owl with which it could possibly be confused in Portugal is a Barn Owl, and then only in very poor light. They often fly singly in daylight and in relatively large numbers, and at all altitudes - the most I've had overhead at any one time is eight.

Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) Coruja-do-nabal

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