Short-eared owls are medium sized owls with mottled brown bodies, pale under-wings and yellow eyes. They are commonly seen hunting during the day. In winter, there is an influx of continental birds (from Scandinavia, Russia, Iceland) to northern, eastern, and parts of central southern England, especially around the coast. They are of European conservation concern and so are an Amber List species.
Key ID Features:
The owl most likely to be seen hunting during the day, coursing harrier like, low over grassland.
A medium sized round-headed owl with a pale facial disc housing dark-ringed yellow eyes.
At rest the body shows complex buff patterned upper parts with a finely streaked breast and underparts.
In flight the upper wing showsdark wrist patches and wing tips, along with a black and buff striped tail and white trailing wing edges, but the belly and under wing are pale with dark spots at the tips.
Scientific name: Asio flammeus
Family: Owls (Strigidae)
Where to see them
In the UK they breed primarily in Northern England and Scotland, but are seen more widely in winter. Short-eared owls are best looked for in winter on coastal marshes and wetlands. However, birdwatchers must be careful to avoid disturbance at communal roost sites.
Seen in UK:
All year round.
What they eat
Small mammals, especially voles.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
