Scientific name: Asio otus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Bird group: Owls
Field characters. 36 cm. Resembles a miniature Eagle Owl and similar to Short-eared Owl, but darker, with longer eartufts. Has longer wings than Tawny Owl. Whole plumage brown with many dark streaks. Facial disk paler, with almost white feathering along bill, extending to above and below eyes. Completely nocturnal, but can be seen during daylight on migration. In winter found in communal roosts with sometimes several dozens together, sometimes in bare trees, but even then surprisingly difficult to find. Prefers however 'evergreens'. When disturbed, raises eartufts and depresses body feathers. Breeds in old nests of other birds, like crows, and raptors.
Voice. During breeding season a feeble, repeated 'hoo'. In flight a sharp 'tic', like Common Coot.
Distribution. Common and widespread.
Habitat. Found in a variety of woodland, even pure pine forest, but generally avoids mountains. Hunts in areas with low vegetation, like marshes, fields, and agricultural land.
Food. Mainly voles, but also takes small birds.