RSPB
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Conservation status: Amber

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.

Overview

Latin 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.

When to see them

All year round

What they eat

Small mammals, especially voles.

Population

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
-1000-3500 pairs5000-50,000 individuals-

Distribution

Key

Illustrations

Audio

Daniel Lane, Xeno-canto

Characteristics

Short-eared owl

Short-eared owl
  • Size: between pigeon-mallard
  • Feather colours: brown, black, white, cream/buff
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey
  • Beak length: short
  • Beak thickness: short
  • Beak shape: short
  • Leg colour: brown
  • Behaviour: on ground, bird walks/runs on the ground, eats birds/chicks/eggs