Belongs to: owls

Compare with: long-eared owl

Short-eared owl Asio flammeus

Birds of Conservation Concern Amber List


Best time to see: Oct to Apr

Key facts

Pale owl often seen hunting in daylight

Habitat: moors, estuaries and freshwater marshes

Resident in the UK; breeds in N. Britain and winters in Essex, mainly along the coast

Recognition

Pale owl with streaked brown plumage, pale below; yellow eyes

Seen hunting low over marshes; may sit openly

Eats small mammals

Lifecycle

Nest is a hollow on ground

1 Brood April to June; 4-8 white eggs

  • Main photo

Photo © Alan Williams