Owl 30cm - Cuddly Toy

Physical Characteristics
The Long-Eared Owl (aka The 'horned' owl) is the least known and most mysterious of British owls. It is a medium-sized owl, smaller in size than a woodpigeon. It often looks long and thin, with head feathers (known as ear tufts even though they are not ears) which it raises when alarmed. It is buff-brown with darker brown streaks, and deep orange eyes.

Habitat
Long Eared Owls live in woods and forests across Britain and Europe.

Behaviour
Because it is the most nocturnal and strongly arboreal, the Long-eared Owl is rarely seen by day and easily escapes attention, especially in winter, when it is generally silent. Northern birds migrate southwards, including birds from Europe coming to spend the winter in the UK, while southern birds are residents and only move short distances to find food.

Breeding
The Long-eared Owl breeds thinly across the UK with fewer birds in the south-west and Wales.

Diet
The Long-eared Owl hunts at night for its main prey of small rodents, and small birds in winter.

Strange and Interesting Facts
The Long-Eared Owl has been known by various names such as cat owl, horn coot, hornie hoolet, horn-owl, horned owl, long ears, long-horned owl, long-horned ullat and tufted owl.