Short-eared owl
These medium-sized owls can be found in most parts of Scotland, except Shetland. Short-eared owls hunt by day, preferring open country, such as wetlands, moorland and sand dunes where their prey of small mammals is most abundant. They nest on the ground in open areas where a clutch of between 4 – 14 eggs (average 5-7) is laid. Twelve days after hatching the chicks start wandering from the nest and fledge within 4 weeks. Outside the breeding season, they may gather in flocks and roost communally.
Long Eared Owl
Asio otus
The long-eared owl is medium-sized owl, smaller in size than a woodpigeon. It often looks long and thin, with head feathers (known as ear tufts even though they are not ears) which it raises when alarmed. It is buff-brown with darker brown streaks, and...
Barn owl
Tyto alba
With heart shaped face, buff back and wings and pure white under parts the barn owl is a distinctive and much loved countryside bird. Widely distributed across the UK, and indeed the world, the bird has suffered declines over the past fifty years as a...
Tawny Owl
Strix aluco
The tawny owl is an owl the size of a pigeon. It has a rounded body and head, with a ring of dark feathers around its face surrounding the dark eyes. It is mainly reddish brown above and paler underneath. It is a widespread breeding species in England,...
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