UK Wildlife

Short-eared Owl Open Moorland Hunter

The short-eared owl hunts by day over open moorland, grassland and coastal marshes, one of the few UK owls regularly seen in daylight, dependent on healthy vole populations.

Key Facts

Short-eared owls are regularly seen hunting in daylight unlike most UK owls
UK breeding population around 1,000-3,500 pairs, fluctuating with vole cycles
Winter influx of Scandinavian birds augments UK residents
Breeds on the ground in long grass or heather on moorland and young plantations
Population peaks and crashes with 3-4 year vole cycle

Welfare Considerations

Short-eared owl breeding success tracks the vole population cycle closely. Loss of rough grassland and moorland through overgrazing reduces vole prey availability. Disturbing breeding birds on moorland causes nest abandonment and chick mortality.

What You Can Do

Support moorland management that maintains tussocky grassland for voles and short-eared owls
Respect upland access codes during breeding season to avoid nest disturbance
Record short-eared owl through BTO owl survey and breeding bird survey