Short-eared Owl Welfare on Moorland and Coastal Grassland

The short-eared owl is a diurnal hunter of open moorland and coastal grassland, visible quartering low over heather and tussock grass. Its welfare depends on vole population cycles and open undisturbed habitat.

Key Facts

UK breeding population 500-1,000 pairs — concentrated on upland moorland
More diurnal than other owls — often seen hunting in daylight
Population fluctuates with vole cycles — irruption years with high voles support more breeding pairs
Nests on the ground in tussock grass — highly sensitive to disturbance
Migrates to coast in winter — large gatherings on coastal marshes

Welfare Considerations

Short-eared owl welfare on moorland is directly linked to field vole abundance — in years with low vole populations, breeding pairs do not attempt to nest or have very low productivity. Disturbance at ground nests by moorland walkers and their dogs causes nest abandonment and chick death. Winter coastal roosts face disturbance from birdwatchers — even well-intentioned observation creates welfare costs through energy expenditure in repeated flushing. Designated no-disturbance areas around winter short-eared owl roost sites, combined with moorland management that maintains tussocky rough grassland for voles, provide the most significant welfare improvements.

What You Can Do

Keep to moorland paths from March to August — short-eared owls nest on the ground
Keep dogs on leads on coastal grassland where wintering owls roost
Maintain rough tussocky grassland on any land you manage — vole habitat for owls
Support RSPB moorland reserve management
Record short-eared owl sightings to BTO BirdTrack monitoring scheme