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Long-eared owl

©Stefan Johansson

Long-eared owl

Unsurprisingly, the nocturnal long-eared owl sports large 'ear tufts' on its head, while the short-eared owl has much smaller ear tufts. A shy bird, it is best spotted around the coast when migrating, or in its communal winter roosts.

Scientific name

Asio otus

When to see

January to December

Species information

Statistics

Length: 35-37cm
Wingspan: 95cm
Weight: 290g
Average lifespan: 4 years
Classified in the UK as Green under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021).

About

Long-eared owls are shy, nocturnal birds of coniferous forests, plantations and mixed woodlands and can be seen in communal roosts of more than 20 birds. Small mammals, such as voles, form the majority of the long-eared owl's diet, but small birds are also important. The long-eared owl hunts out its prey by sweeping clearings and fields in a zig-zag flying pattern, scanning the ground for movement. Once prey is spotted, the owl swoops down and dispatches its victim on the ground by biting the back of the head. Long-eared owls breed from February onwards, laying their eggs in old nests or tree hollows.

How to identify

The long-eared owl is mottled brown, with big, orange-red eyes and long wings. Long 'ear tufts' provide its common name. The similar short-eared owl is paler, with yellow eyes and short ear tufts and is usually found near grassland and saltmarshes.

Distribution

Breeds across the UK, but fewer birds are found in the South West and Wales. Most likely to be seen on migration at the coast or returning to winter roosts.

Did you know?

The 'ear' tufts of both long- and short-eared owls are not actually ears at all, but feathers that can be raised when the owl is alarmed, or wants to make itself look bigger.