Short-eared Owl

The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl that is active during the day. It is often seen hunting in open areas such as moorland, marshes, and coastal grassland. It has pale, buff-brown feathers with many dark brown streaks. Its yellow eyes stand out against dark patches on its face, and it has small ear tufts that are hard to see. When flying, it shows long wings with dark patches near the wrist on the top side and pale edges underneath. Its flight is light and floating, similar to a harrier. The owl breeds across northern Britain, especially in Scotland and northern England. Its numbers increase in winter when visitors come from continental Europe. It prefers rough grassland, young tree plantations, and coastal dunes where there are many voles. It often perches on fence posts or the ground rather than in trees. The Short-eared Owl hunts by flying low over open land, sometimes hovering before dropping down on its prey.