Wild Long-Eared Owl Welfare and Habitat

Long-eared owls are secretive and under-recorded in the UK - their welfare depends on rough grassland prey and dense woodland roosting habitat.

Key Facts

Long-eared owls are the UK's most nocturnal owl species rarely seen during daylight hours
UK populations are thought to number around 4,000 pairs but accurate data is sparse
They depend heavily on field voles as prey - requiring rough grassland foraging habitat
Day roosting in dense scrub or conifer plantations is essential for safety from disturbance
Communal winter roosts of up to 50 birds occur in some areas
Numbers fluctuate with vole population cycles similar to other small mammal specialist predators

Welfare Considerations

Long-eared owl welfare is primarily linked to field vole abundance which varies cyclically. In vole crash years, owls face food shortage and may move considerable distances seeking prey. Maintaining rough grassland habitats that support high vole densities is the most direct welfare intervention for this specialist predator.

What You Can Do

Support Wildlife Trust management of rough grassland habitats benefiting vole-dependent predators
Report long-eared owl sightings to local wildlife recording schemes for population data
Participate in BTO surveys targeting under-recorded owl species
Maintain or create rough grassland margins on farmland or gardens
Donate to organisations managing rough grassland habitats in the UK uplands and lowlands