Short-eared owl returns to Kuwait
A seasonal visitor highlights the need to protect natural habitats
Environmental expert Dr. Abdullah Al-Zaidan has documented the arrival of the short-eared owl in Kuwait, marking the start of the seasonal bird migration period that extends from October to March each year.
Dr. Al-Zaidan explained that this distinctive owl—known for its striking yellow eyes, long legs, and two feather tufts resembling ears—feeds primarily on small mammals, rodents, reptiles, small birds, and insects, and is most active during dawn and dusk, reports Al-Rai daily.
He noted that the species migrates to Kuwait from Europe and Asia, before continuing its journey toward Africa, making the country an important stopover along its migratory route.
Describing its features, Dr. Al-Zaidan said, “The short-eared owl is a medium-sized bird. Its name comes from the short, barely visible feather tufts that look like ears, while its real ears are hidden and asymmetrically positioned, allowing it to pinpoint prey through sound with remarkable accuracy.”
He added that the owl’s brown-spotted feathers provide excellent camouflage amid dry grasses and open landscapes, while its long wings and graceful, buoyant flight make it easily recognizable in the field.
Although the species is not globally threatened, Dr. Al-Zaidan emphasized that its seasonal presence in Kuwait underscores the importance of preserving open habitats and wetlands that support migratory and wintering birds of prey.
