Owls in the United Kingdom
Six species of owl occur naturally in the United Kingdom, while controversy rages over whether a seventh, the European Eagle Owl, is living wild in England as a result of natural migration from the Continent, or as a result of escaping from bird collections.
[These pages examine each species. Select from the links below.]
Barn owlBarn owls (Tyto alba) are very pale and may be seen at dawn and dusk
Little owlLittle owls (Athene noctua) are active during daylight
Long-eared owlThe long-eared owl (Asio otus) is a very secretive bird that is often overlooked
Short-eared owlShort-eared owls (Asio flammeus) nest on the ground and are active during daylight hours
Snowy owlThe large white snowy owl (Bubo scandiaca) was made famous as Harry Potter's owl, Hedwig
Tawny owlTawny owls (Strix aluco) are the owls most often heard calling during the night.
