The Long-eared Owl is a scarce species in the UK and is monitored by the RBBP; however as a nocturnal species which is difficult to detect it is substantially under-reported and the trend is uncertain (Eaton et al. 2021). The most recent UK population estimate is 1,800+ pairs (APEP4) but this is also highly uncertain. The number of occupied 10-km squares in Britain has declined by 18% since the 1968–72 Breeding Atlas, but the map shows many gains and losses which may suggest difficulties in detecting the species when present (Balmer et al. 2013).

The Long-eared Owl's breeding range has apparently contracted by 18% since the 1968–72 Breeding Atlas but there is also marked turnover, with more than half of squares showing gains or losses since 1968–72. This may be partly a consequence of birds being missed in one atlas or another, but the significant gains in northern England and clusters of losses in southeast England, southwest Scotland and the Black Isle are notable.

Bird Atlas distribution change maps show how bird distributions have changed through time. Coloured upward-pointing triangles show places apparently colonised over the period; grey downward-pointing triangles show places apparently vacated. Shading show places occupied.

Click the map to enlarge,
or view it on Bird Atlas Mapstore.

Click the map to enlarge,
or view it on Bird Atlas Mapstore.

Long-eared Owls are present throughout the year but not often recorded on daytime lists. Reporting is slightly higher in summer when juveniles are easily detected by their squeaky calls.

Weekly pattern of occurrence

The graph shows when the species is present in the UK, with taller bars indicating a higher likelihood of encountering the species in appropriate regions and habitats.