Short-eared Owl, Asio flammeus. Uncommon but widespread, breeding throughout Alaska, Canada, Russia, and portions of Europe. Wintering ranges down to central Mexico, and scattered areas across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Some spend year-round in the Ukraine area, portions of northwest Europe, northern and central-south South America, and a northern band across North America. There are 11 recognized subspecies, each preferring open grassland habitats. As an owl, they hunt mainly at night but have been known to hunt diurnally and crepuscularlly.