© Photo by Rachel Bigsby Long-Eared Owl Asio otus The Long-eared owl is a shy, nocturnal bird of coniferous forests, plantations and mixed woodlands and can be seen in communal roosts of over 20 birds. © Photo by Harry Hogg Small mammals such as voles form the most part of the long-eared owl’s diet but birds are also important. The long-eared owl hunts out its prey by sweeping clearings and fields in a zig-zag flying pattern, scanning the ground for movement. Once prey is spotted the owl swoops down and dispatches its victim on the ground by biting the back of the head. Long-eared owls breed from February onwards, using old nests or tree hollows to lay their eggs. How to Identify Long-eared owls are mottled brown with orangey-red eyes and long wings. Long ‘ear’ tufts give them their common name. The very similar short-eared owl is paler with yellow eyes and short ear tufts and is more diurnal. Usually found near grassland and salt marshes. Where to Find Breeds across the UK but fewer birds in the south-west and Wales. Most likely to be seen on migration at the coast or returning to winter roosts. How People Can Help Although the long-eared owl is not declining, their woodland habitats are disappearing. Across town and country, local Wildlife Trusts manage woodland nature reserves for the benefit of the wildlife they support. You can help by supporting your local Trust and becoming a member; you’ll find out about exciting wildlife happenings, events on your doorstep and volunteering opportunities, and be helping local wildlife along the way. Did you know? The ‘ear’ tufts of both long- and short-eared owls are not actual ears but feathers which can be raised when the owl is alarmed or wishing to make itself look taller. Key FactsLength: 35-37cmWingspan: 95cmWeight: 290gAverage lifespan: 4 years Donate Donate to help support Long 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-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 Short-Eared Owl 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