 The genus name "Asio" is the Latin name for a type of eared owl, the feather tufts on the head of these owls give the appearance of "ears" which is a defining characteristic.This group has representatives over most of the planet, and the short-eared owl is one of the most widespread of all bird species, breeding in Europe, Asia, North and South America, the Caribbean, Hawaii and the Galápagos Islands.Its geographic range extends to all continents except Antarctica and Australia.