Winter breeding of the Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) in South-Western Slovakia

On February 9, 2005, 3 juveniles of the Long-eared Owl Asio otus aged 14-18 days were observed in the urban area of Trnava. During the same period, breeding of the Long-eared Owl was reported from the Czech Republic and Italy. Winter breeding probably occurs more frequently with this species than anticipated, but has so far escaped our attention.