Long-eared Owl Welfare in Dense Woodland

The long-eared owl is the most nocturnal and secretive of UK owls, found in dense conifer plantations and thick hedgerows. Its cryptic lifestyle means population trends are poorly understood and welfare monitoring is challenging.

Key Facts

UK breeding population estimated at 1,800-6,000 pairs — data poor
Uses old corvid and sparrowhawk nests rather than excavating cavities
More strictly nocturnal than other owls — rarely seen in daylight
Roosts communally in winter — traditional roost sites in hawthorn thickets
Feeds almost exclusively on field voles — highly dependent on vole cycles

Welfare Considerations

Long-eared owl welfare monitoring is hampered by their extreme nocturnal and secretive behaviour. Most welfare data comes from winter communal roosts which can be studied by surveying pellets and finding roosting birds in daylight. Communal winter roosts in dense hawthorn and blackthorn thickets are traditional sites used year after year — disturbance of these roosts through vegetation management or direct approach is a significant welfare concern. Dense conifer plantations at the thicket stage provide nest sites but mature stands lose the dense low cover needed for roosting and nesting. A mosaic of different plantation ages within landscapes supports breeding long-eared owls through the various life stages they require.

What You Can Do

Never approach known long-eared owl winter roost sites — observe from distance
Support conservation of traditional hawthorn roost sites in your area
Record pellet evidence under potential roost sites to local bird recorders
Advocate for mosaic management of conifer plantations rather than clearfelling
Donate to Hawk and Owl Trust owl monitoring and nest box programmes