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  • Short-eared owl

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Short-eared owl

Short-eared owl
Short-eared owl
  • Scientific name: Asio flammeus
  • Bird family: Owls
  • UK conservation status: Amber
  • Protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Short-eared owl call audio

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Daniel Lane, xeno-canto

Key information

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.

What they eat:

Small mammals, especially voles.

Measurements:

Length:
34-42cm
Wingspan:
90-105cm
Weight:
260-350g

Population:

UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.
UK breeding:
620-2,180 pairs

Identifying features:

Short-eared owl

Short eared owl
Feather colour: Black Brown Cream/buff White
Leg colour: Brown
Beak: Black Short Hooked Chunky
Natural habitats: Farmland Grassland Marine and intertidal Upland Wetland

Similar birds:

Long eared owl
Long-eared owl
Adult tawny owl
Tawny owl
Barn owl
Barn owl

Where and when to see them

In the UK short-eared owls 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.

* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  • Resident
  • Passage
  • Summer
  • Winter
Short-eared owl distribution map

Short-eared owls can be seen all year round.

  • jan
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RSPB reserves

  • RSPB Capel Fleet
  • RSPB Hobbister
  • RSPB Trumland
  • RSPB Nene Washes
  • RSPB St Aidan's
  • RSPB Dee Estuary - Parkgate
  • RSPB Cottascarth and Rendall Moss

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