Human interference, particularly changes in agricultural practices, have caused a widespread decline in breeding pairs of owls in Britain over the last forty years. A sighting of these nocturnal birds is increasingly rare. Most people can identify owls by their distinctive hollow eyes, hooked beaks and squashed, completely rotating heads but distinguishing the owls species when a sighting is likely to be fleeting at best can be difficult.
Barn Owls, Species in Decline
Barn owls were once common in the British countryside but changes in farming methods have led to their decline (an estimated 4000 breeding pairs remained in Britain in 2000). For more information on conservation issues, click here. The white, heart-shaped face of the Barn Owl is the most distinctive feature. Its white under parts have led to it often being mistaken for a Snowy Owl. The Barn owls hoot is often how it is identified: this screeching and gurgling marks it out from other owls. Barn owls are found in England and Southern Scotland. They nest in hollow trees and old buildings and prey consist of small mammals like voles.
Tawny Owls, Most Common Owl Spotted in Britain
Tawny Owls are far and away Britain's most common owl. They are also the largest British owl species which makes them easier to spot. Its preferred habitat is hollowed trees and populations have recovered from the Dutch Elm Disease which saw their homes decimated. The most distinctive of owls' hoots, ke-wit hoo hoo, singles out the Tawny from other owls. Exceptionally large eyes give Tawnies very good night vision in its favoured farmland or mixed woodland domain. Their hunting technique involves sitting on a perch then dropping on its prey which can be rodents or invertebrates. Owl pellets, the result of the indigestible remains of the owl meal (feathers, bone) is usually attributable to Tawnies, although other owls also produce pellets.
Short Eared Owls Habitat in Open Country Easily Distinguishes Them
Short Eared owls favour open country such as moor or heathland, as well as sand dunes. They build their nests on the ground. The most distinctive feature is the four-barred tail, coupled with the buff-and-brown plumage. It usually feeds on small mammals, swooping a few metres above ground level scouring for prey.
The Long Eared Owl Hearing is Key to Success
This owl is barely distinguished from the trees it favours in its natural woodland habitat. They really are superbly camouflaged birds with mottled brown plumage. The orange eyes, barred tail feathers and black beak are the distinctive features, along with the ear tufts which give the bird its name. These are thought to have nothing to do with hearing although the Long Eared Owl's hearing is incredible. It can locate prey even in complete darkness or under snow by hearing alone. They are most commonly sighted in winter.
The Little Owl, Britains Smallest Owl
With a wingspan of under 60cm, these are the smallest British owls. They often hunt by day and prefer a habitat of farmland with hedgerows and small copses of woodland. Their diet is mostly insects, although they also hunt small rodents. Their speckled plumage, fierce expression and, when they are alarmed, their distinctive head-twitching, are the traits that mark them out.
Other Owl Species in Britain
- European Eagle Owls: These owls were once native in Britain. They became extinct in the 19th century but have now been sighted again. They are large owls (about the size of a buzzard) with white under wings and hunt by crushing their prey with their huge jaws. They have been known to kill deer and foxes.
- Snowy Owls: Usually these owls favour a more northern climate but a pair were seen breeding on Fetlar, in the Shetland Islands, one of Britain's bird havens, in recent years. Their white plumage helps them camouflage against snow and ice. They will take on lage prey including rodents, foxes and hares.
For more information on owl spotting, click here
To visit an Owl Sanctuary in the UK, click here
Luke Waterson - Author Luke Waterson writes, or has written, for various publications including Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Moon Guidebooks and The ...
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