© WildNet Short-Eared Owl Asio flammeus Short-eared owls mainly hunt during the daytime, flying low over moorland, grassland and salt marshes where they feed on field voles and small birds. © Photo by Danny Green/2020VISION About the same size as the barn owl but with long wings, short-eared owls breed in northern England and Scotland but can be seen more widely in winter. They nest on the ground in scraped-out hollows lined with grass and downy feathers. How to Identify Short-eared owls are mottled yellowy-brown above, paler underneath and have dark circles around their yellow eyes. Short ‘ear’ tufts give them their common name. The very similar long-eared owl is darker with orangey-red eyes and long ear tufts and is more nocturnal, usually being found near woodland. Where to Find Nests on moorlands and young conifer plantations in north and west Britain. Winters in the lowlands, particularly wet grasslands and around the coast. How People Can Help Short-eared owls are threatened by habitat loss and agricultural intensification. The Wildlife Trusts are working closely with farmers and landowners to promote wildlife-friendly practices. We are working towards a ‘Living Landscape’: a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust. Did you know? Some short-eared owls migrate here from the continent for the winter and can occasionally be seen flying in off the sea. Key FactsLength: 34-42cmWingspan: 1mWeight: 330gAverage lifespan: est. 4-12 years Donate Donate to help support Short-Eared Owls and other wildlife. Donate Similar Species Barn Owl Birds Black-Headed Gull Birds Blackbird Birds Blackcap Birds Blue Tit Birds Bullfinch Birds Buzzard Birds Canada Goose Birds Carrion Crow Birds Chaffinch Birds Chiffchaff Birds Coal Tit Birds Collared Dove Birds Coot Birds Crossbill Birds Cuckoo Birds Curlew Birds Dipper Birds Dunnock Birds Fieldfare Birds Goldcrest Birds Golden Plover Birds Goldfinch Birds Goosander Birds Great Crested Grebe Birds Great Spotted Woodpecker Birds Great Tit Birds Greenfinch Birds Grey Heron Birds Grey Wagtail Birds Hen Harrier Birds Herring Gull Birds Hobby Birds House Martin Birds House Sparrow Birds Jackdaw Birds Jay Birds Kestrel Birds Kingfisher Birds Lapwing Birds Lesser Redpoll Birds Linnet Birds Little Egret Birds Little Grebe Birds Little Owl Birds Little Ringed Plover Birds Long-Eared Owl Birds Long-Tailed Tit Birds Magpie Birds Mallard Birds Mandarin Duck Birds Marsh Harrier Birds Meadow Pipit Birds Merlin Birds Mistle Thrush Birds Moorhen Birds Nightjar Birds Nuthatch Birds Osprey Birds Oystercatcher Birds Peregrine falcon Birds Pied Wagtail Birds Raven Birds Red Grouse Birds Red Kite Birds Redstart Birds Redwing Birds Reed Bunting Birds Reed Warbler Birds Ringed Plover Birds Robin Birds Rock Pipit Birds Rook Birds Sedge Warbler Birds Siskin Birds Skylark Birds Snipe Birds Song Thrush Birds Sparrowhawk Birds Spotted Flycatcher Birds Starling Birds Stonechat Birds Swallow Birds Swift Birds Tawny owl Birds Teal Birds Tree Sparrow Birds Treecreeper Birds Tufted Duck Birds Water Rail Birds Waxwing Birds Wheatear Birds Whimbrel Birds Whinchat Birds Whitethroat Birds Wigeon Birds Willow Warbler Birds Wood Pigeon Birds Wood Warbler Birds Woodcock Birds Wren Birds Yellow Wagtail Birds Yellowhammer Birds