Long-eared Owl
Asio otus
Overview
The Long-eared Owl is a secretive owl that roosts communally in dense scrub during winter, often completely invisible until dusk when they emerge to hunt. On the Sefton Coast, the dense elder and hawthorn scrub of the dune system can hold winter roosts, usually discovered by the pellet accumulation beneath the trees. Slimmer than Tawny Owl with obvious ear tufts and orange eyes. Quite different from the ear-tufted Short-eared Owl which hunts in daylight over open ground.
At a Glance
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Habitat | Dense dune scrub · Elder thicket · Coniferous plantation |
| Diet | Small mammals — especially short-tailed voles — hunted over open grassland at night |
| UK population | Around 1,800–6,000 pairs; winter numbers boosted by continental birds |
| Sefton Coast | Occasional winter visitor; communal roosts sometimes found in dense dune scrub |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Dune scrub and elder thickets in the dune system; occasional communal winter roosts in dense cover.
Identification
Medium owl. Long, close-set ear tufts (raised when alert). Orange eyes. Rich brown and buff plumage. Slimmer than Tawny. Hunts low over open ground at dusk in floating, buoyant flight.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Search dense elder and hawthorn scrub on the dunes for pellets and whitewash below the roost. If you find a roost, observe from a distance at dusk as birds emerge. Do not disturb.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species is on the UK Green List, indicating a healthy population status in the UK context. It remains an important component of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a Long-eared Owl roost?
Long-eared Owls roost in dense vegetation and are almost impossible to see in daytime. The best approach is to search for evidence: pellets (oval, dark, compressed fur and bones) accumulate directly beneath regular roost trees, and whitewash (droppings) mark the spot. Dense elder, hawthorn and blackthorn in the dune system are the most likely locations in winter.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.