Short-eared Owl

Ulchabhán reisc

The short-eared owl is usually found in Ireland in the winter-time, especially along the east and south coasts. It likes the rough grasslands, sand dunes and marshes along the coast. In summer-time, it prefers to move to moorland areas for breeding.

Woodmice

Woodmice

Copyright Mike Brown

Woodmice
Copyright Mike Brown

Woodmice

Woodmice

Copyright Mike Brown

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The short-eared owl relies on small mice, insects and birds for food.

Have you ever seen a short-eared owl sitting up on a post?

It is watching for prey and once it sees it, it will swoop down low over the ground and catch it.

Unlike the barn owl and the long-eared owl, the short-eared owl is a diurnal bird. This means that it comes out during the day.

Would you recognise a short-eared owl?

The main features to look out for are its small ear-tufts and its bright yellow eyes. Can you remember what colour eyes the long-eared owl has?