Owl biology
Read our latest articles on two of the owl’s most extraordinary senses: vision and hearing.
Short-eared Owl
The short-eared owl is a ground-nesting species which breeds in open areas such as moorlands and grasslands. It has one of the widest distributions of any bird species, occurring in all continents except Australia and Antarctica.
Listen to a Short-eared Owl call
Long-eared Owl
The long-eared owl, also known as the northern long-eared owl, is a species of owl which breeds in Europe, Asia, and North America. It is perhaps the most secretive owl species in the UK.
Listen to a Long-eared Owl call
Barn Owl
The Barn Owl has benefited from conservation efforts, in particular the provision of nest boxes, and its population has increased since the last national survey. There may now be as many as 10,000 pairs breeding across Britain & Ireland.
Listen to a Barn Owl call
Tawny Owl
The Tawny Owl is probably our most familiar species of owl, found in wooded habitats across Britain. The species is absent from Ireland, underlining its sedentary habits and reluctance to cross large bodies of water.
Listen to a Tawny Owl call
Little Owl
Although not native to Britain, the Little Owl can now be found breeding across England, some parts of Wales and just into southern Scotland. Not much bigger than a Song Thrush, the Little Owl feeds on large invertebrates, small mammals and small birds.
Listen to a Little Owl call
Other owly things
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