Resident. Frequents farmland, nesting in barns, church towers, ruins or hollow trees. A bird of prey, feeding on small birds and mammals, usually at night.

This ethereal, ghost-like owl of country tales is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan birds.    

Voice-Usually quiet, snoring noises near nest, occasional strident shriek elsewhere.  

Habitat-Widespread year-round resident except in N & NE Europe.   

Nest-In hollow tree or deserted building.     

Diet-Small rodents and also many small birds.