What is "short-eared owl"

Eared \Eared\, a.

1. Having (such or so many) ears; -- used in composition; as, long-eared-eared; sharp-eared; full-eared; ten-eared.

2. (Zo["o]l.) Having external ears; having tufts of feathers resembling ears.

   Eared owl (Zo["o]l.), an owl having earlike tufts of feathers, as the long-eared owl, and short-eared owl.

   Eared seal (Zo["o]l.), any seal of the family Otariid[ae], including the fur seals and hair seals. See Seal.

n. A species of owl, (taxlink Asio flammeus species).

The short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) is a species of typical owl (family Strigidae). Owls belonging to genus Asio are known as the eared owls, as they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. Asio flammeus will display its tufts when in a defensive pose, although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The short-eared owl is found in open country and grasslands. The scientific name is from Latin. The genus name Asio is a type of eared owl, and flammeus means "flame-coloured".