The Long-eared Owl builds no nest of its own but breeds in old nests left by crows, magpies or other birds. It readily chooses a stand of conifers near open ground. The female usually lays 3–6 eggs, which are incubated for about 27–28 days. Clutch size is affected by the rodent supply. The young leave the nest before they can fly and clamber about in the surrounding branches, so-called branch young.