The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized nocturnal bird of prey, characterized by golden-brown plumage with dark streaks that help it blend into its natural habitat. Its eyes are large and yellow, surrounded by a pale facial disk. Its ear tufts are small. It feeds primarily on small mammals and birds, and its diet may also include insects. It is a migratory bird that travels long distances between its breeding and wintering grounds. It prefers open habitats such as marshes, grasslands, and farm fields. It nests on the ground, often hidden among dense vegetation. Unlike many other species of Strigiformes, the Marsh Owl is often active during the day, especially at dusk and dawn.