The Short-eared Owl can be found in most parts of England and can occasionally be seen in the day hunting in open country and open rough grasslands. It has its name ‘Short-eared’ because it has two patches of short feathers on its head which look like ears. However, these feathers are not ears, but ‘ear-tufts’ and sometimes these tufts are so small that they are not easily seen.

The Short-eared Owl is a rich brown colour with lots of creamy brown vertical patches of feathers all over its body. It has a pale creamy-coloured face. It looks like it has a flat face because its black, hooked beak points downwards. It also has two striking yellow-coloured eyes which are surrounded by black patches of feathers. The Short-eared Owl can move its neck in almost every direction so it can get a better view all round.

Short-eared Owls prefer to hunt at dawn and dusk and they use their strong sense of hearing to locate prey, even though they have very good night vision. They mainly eat voles, rats, mice and sometimes small birds that are caught in flight. Short-eared Owls have a wingspan of around one hundred and five centimetres and they are often described as ‘bat-like’ when in flight because they beat their wings quite irregularly. They can also be seen perching on the ground as well as on fences and posts. They also perch in trees.