Long-eared Owl
Asio otus
Length 36cm

Active only in complete darkness but, fortunately for birdwatchers, sometimes conspicuous at daytime roosts in winter. Has dark brown upperparts and paler underparts, the whole body, however, being heavily streaked; underwings look very pale when seen in flight. At close range, staring orange eyes and long 'ear' tufts can be seen; these may be raised or lowered, depending on bird's mood. When alarmed, bird sometimes adopts strange, elongated posture. Often nests in dense conifer woodlands. Roosts in similar habitats and occasionally in hawthorn hedges or damp woodland. Widespread in Britain and Ireland throughout year although precise distribution poorly known due to difficulty in locating species. Rather silent but young utter calls like rusty gate hinge.