Medium-sized, rather slender owl with orange face patches and long "ear" tufts. Strictly nocturnal. Found in areas with a mix of dense cover for roosting, such as brushy thickets or conifer groves, and open spaces for hunting. Generally rare and seldom-seen, but can gather in communal winter roosts with dozens of individuals (if you're lucky enough to find a roost, do not disturb the birds). Size and shape similar to Short-eared Owl; but Long-eared is darker and more coarsely marked below with orange patch near the wingtips. Typical vocalization is a single low hoot repeated every few seconds; also gives a wide range of maniacal catlike screeches and doglike barks.