Owls

We are fortunate to have 5 species of Owls in the UK. They are magnificent creatures that have such stealth. Little Owl, Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl, Long-eared Owl & Tawny Owl.

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Little Owl

Introduced into the UK in the 19th century, the diminutive little owl can now be seen along hedgerows, on farmland and in parkland across England and Wales. It often perches on a pole or rock, looking out for its unsuspecting prey.It's only 20cm tall.

Little Owl

Barn Owl

The beautiful barn owl is, perhaps, our most-loved owl. With its distinctive heart-shaped face, pure white feathers, and ghostly silent flight, it's easy to identify. Look out for it flying low over fields and hedgerows at dawn and dusk. It stand 30-35cm tall.

Barn Owl

Short Eared Owl

The short-eared owl, or 'Shortie', is an unusual owl because it prefers to be out and about in the daytime. It is most easily spotted in winter, when resident birds are joined by migrants. Look out for it over moorlands and saltmarshes. They stand 35-40cm tall. They are usually seen in December - January.

Short Eared Owl

Long Eared Owl

The Long-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl, smaller than a Woodpigeon. It often looks long and thin, with head feathers (known as ear tufts, even though they are not ears) which it raises when alarmed. It is light brown with darker brown streaks and deep orange eyes.

Long Eared Owl

Juvenile Long Eared Owl

Juvenile Hunting at sunset

Juvenile perched

Long Eared Owl

Tawny Owl

The Tawny Owl is an owl the size of a Woodpigeon. It has a rounded body and head, with a ring of dark feathers around its face surrounding the dark eyes. Tawny Owls in the UK are mainly reddish brown above and paler underneath. It is a widespread breeding species in England, Wales and Scotland but not found in Ireland. Birds are mainly residents with established pairs probably never leaving their territories. Young birds disperse from breeding grounds in autumn.