British Birds – Where to find owls in the UK

Owls hold an enduring fascination as one of the most iconic nocturnal birds, yet their elusive nature poses challenges if you are trying to find owls in the UK.

When searching for owls in the UK, it is crucial to plan ahead and minimise disturbance. Productive outings focus on dawn, dusk and early evenings when owls are active, avoiding daytime snoozing periods. Approaching known hunting areas demands quiet, gradual movements at a distance, never using bright lights or flashes.

With careful preparation, ethical practices, and respect for the birds’ space, you can enjoy magical glimpses into the shadows while ensuring vulnerable populations remain protected across the changing UK landscape.

There are 5 native species in the UK – tawny owl, barn owl, little owl, short-eared owl and long-eared owl. All owls in the UK are a cause for concern for conservationists as their numbers are falling and their habitats are diminishing. The snowy owl and eagle owl are commonly seen in the UK but are not native and it is not known whether the more common eagle owl is breeding in the wild.

Best places to see owls in the UK

1. RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire
   • Main Species: Barn Owls
2. Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
   • Main Species: Tawny Owls
3. RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk
   • Main Species: Barn Owls, Little Owls, Short-Eared Owls
4. Lackford Lakes, Suffolk Wildlife Trust
   • Main Species: Little Owls
5. Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
   • Main Species: Tawny Owls
6. Lakenheath Fen, Suffolk
   • Main Species: Short-Eared Owls, Barn Owls
7. Isle of Mull, Scotland
   • Main Species: Short-Eared Owls, Barn Owls, Long-Eared Owls
8. Farne Islands, Northumberland
   • Main Species: Barn Owls
9. Peak District National Park, Derbyshire
   • Main Species: Tawny Owls
10. Orkney Islands
    • Main Species: Short-Eared Owls

How do I find an owl?

Owls hunt at dawn and dusk and through the night making this the ideal time to go looking for owls. They hunt small mammals and can often be seen searching across meadows and along hedge lines. When you are out walking look for pellets which will show you that owls are around. The size and shape of the pellet will vary depending on the species.

During daylight hours the owl may be roosting in trees so keep your eyes open. They may well blend with the tree making this a difficult task, but once your ‘eye’ is tuned in to them you will see them.

Little owls are out and about during daylight hours and can often be seen on stone walls or the roofs of barns. While you may not see them at first keep your eye out for movement where you wouldn’t expect to see it.

In the winter months, the number of short-eared owls increases and they can be seen hunting during the day across salt marshes and fields with short grass and hedgerows.

You may also hear an owl when you are out. Each has a very distinctive call, whether that is communicating with other owls or protecting their territory. Knowing that one is in the area can help with seeing an owl as you have a starting point for your search.

• Local Knowledge – Owls will have their own territory and getting to know the local area will help you a lot. Talk to local landowners or rangers and see what they have seen. They are in the area all the time and many have a passion for the wildlife in their area. Always gain permission before crossing into private land, it’s much easier if you stay on marked footpaths. You may also find out information from local websites or birdwatching groups.
• Know the Species – As with any creature, they will have distinct habits. If you take the time to learn these habits you will increase your chances of an encounter. Once you have found an owl, take time to really get to know the individual, how it hunts and when.
• Find Ideal Habitats – When driving around keep your eye out for ideal habitats. Even if you can’t return immediately it is worth visiting at dawn or dusk to see if anyone is hunting. If you know the likely habitat for each species of owl then your chances of an encounter are greatly increased. If you didn’t find anything on your visit then return as you may well be rewarded eventually.
• Look for Signs – Owl pellets can be a great help in finding owls and identifying the species. If you are in the ideal habitat and find a pellet this can be confirmation that an owl is around. Trees and buildings are also great places to look for signs of owls. Along with pellets, you may find feathers against the openings on trees which are a good sign that they are in use.
• Time and Patience – Owls don’t just appear. You need to put the work in to see owls. Take time to find out where they are and visit over a number of weeks and months until your patience is rewarded with an encounter.
• Organised Walks and Hides – If you are unsure what you are looking for or have limited time then joining an organised walk can be the best way to see owls in the wild. Similarly, if you want to capture stunning photographs find a hide that specialises in ethical owl photography.

How rare are owls in the UK?

The number of owls fluctuates through the year as many migrate during the seasons. However, numbers are in decline. They are not common in the UK although if you know where to find them, their behaviours and have good fieldcraft skills you will increase your chances of seeing these stunning birds.

It is estimated there are about 50000 breeding pairs of tawny owls making the tawny owl the most common owl in the UK, with around 5000 pairs of little owls, 4000 pairs of tawny owls and 3500 pairs of long-eared owls (although numbers increase in the winter months with migrants). Short-eared owls only have between 600 and 1500 breeding pairs resident in the UK but numbers can increase anywhere between 5000 and 50000 pairs over the winter months.

The law, owls and photography

The Barn Owl is a Schedule 1 protected species in the UK and a licence is required to photograph them on or around the nest. These restrictions are in place primarily for barn owls as their numbers are known to have dramatically declined in the UK.

All birds are protected by the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act. Penalties that can be imposed for criminal offences in respect of a single bird, nest or egg contrary to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is an unlimited fine, up to six months imprisonment or both. Barn owls fall under the Schedule 1 classification which gives them more protection due to their fragile numbers.

To ensure that you are not liable for prosecution you should stay away from nests at all times and not disturb the birds in any way at or near its nest. This includes nest-building activities and leks. Make sure that you do not spend time around a nesting site or take photographs using a flash that may disturb the birds. You should not be moving vegetation to get the ‘perfect shot’ or disturbing the nest in any way.

UK Owls

The five main owls in the UK are very distinctive and easy to identify if you know what to look and listen out for.

Tawny Owl

Key facts

Scientific name: Strix aluco
Status: Resident breeding species
Breeding birds: 50,000 pairs
Conservation status: Green
Length: 37 – 39 cm
Wingspan: 95 – 104 cm
Weight: 440 – 580 g

The Tawny Owl is a robust, medium-sized owl with a rounded body and dark eyes. Its plumage varies from reddish-brown to grey, providing excellent camouflage in woodland habitats. It is known for its distinctive “twit-twoo” call.

Where to find them: Found throughout the UK in woodlands, particularly in areas with mature trees for nesting.

Barn Owl

Key facts

Scientific name: Tyto alba
Status: Resident breeding species
Breeding birds: 4000 pairs
Conservation status: Green
Length: 33 – 35 cm
Wingspan: 75 – 93 cm
Weight: 290 – 460 g

The Barn Owl is easily identified by its heart-shaped facial disc, pale plumage, and silent flight. It inhabits open countryside, farmland, and grasslands, where it hunts small mammals such as voles and mice.

Where to find them: Widespread across England, Wales, and southern Scotland, particularly in rural areas with suitable nesting sites like barns and tree hollows.

Little Owl

Key facts

Scientific name: Athene noctua
Status: Introduced population
Breeding birds: 5700 pairs
Conservation status: Introduced
Length: 21 – 23 cm
Wingspan: 54 – 60 cm
Weight: 160 -205 g

The Little Owl is a small, stocky owl with a flattened facial disc and yellow eyes. It has a speckled brown-and-white plumage and is often active during the day. It feeds on insects, small mammals, and birds.

Where to find them: Common in England and Wales, particularly in farmland, orchards, and open countryside with scattered trees and dry stone walls.

Short-Eared Owl

Key facts

Scientific name: Asio flammeus
Status: Resident breeding species and winter visitor
Breeding birds: 620 – 2200 pairs
Conservation status: Amber
Length: 37 – 39 cm
Wingspan: 90 – 105 cm
Weight: 260 – 350 g

The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl with long wings and a streaked brown plumage. It has small ear tufts that are rarely visible and is often seen hunting during the day over open moorland and marshes.

Where to find them: Breeding populations are found in northern England, Scotland, and Wales. Winter visitors can be seen in coastal marshes and lowland grasslands across the UK.

Long-Eared Owl

Key facts

Scientific name: Asio otus
Status: Resident breeding species
Breeding birds: 1800 – 6000 pairs
Conservation status: Green
Length: 39 – 40 cm
Wingspan: 72 – 90 cm
Weight: 210 – 360 g

The Long-eared Owl is a slender owl with prominent ear tufts and orange eyes. Its mottled brown plumage provides excellent camouflage in wooded habitats. It is strictly nocturnal and rarely seen.

Where to find them: Found in woodlands and conifer plantations across the UK, particularly in Scotland and northern England.