EURASIAN RAPTORS and OWLS

Not the easiest of subjects simply because they determine how close you can get, and their eyesight is much much better then yours. Some raptors will tolerate a closer approach, but most photography is achieved in flight, indeed I have had raptors fly overhead as if investigating me. Owls, on the other hand, if found in daylight rarely move, or at least not far, plus many species fly in daylight if necessary. The problem then is getting a clear shot as they are usually well-hidden. With advances in photography it is possible to achieve good results at night, unfortunately some photographers and birders use inappropriate lighting or flash, although my conscience is clear. My limited success is shown here, arranged by continent. Although there is obviously overlap, each continent has the majority of species unique to its own area, in some cases birds may appear in more than regional page, especially if subspecies are different. Many Eurasian species migrate south, especially to Africa, but equally there are range-restricted endemics, especially owls.
Last updated July 2025

Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Ghana 2024
A unique family and genus of one species, although there have been suggestions of splitting three of the four subspecies. Found worldwide, breeding in northern latitudes, it is migratory. This is a bird of the nominate race, which would have migrated from Europe.
Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus
Sri Lanka 2023
The most widespread of its genus, found from Spain to the Phillipines and New Guinea, much of sub-saharan Africa and a few pockets in North Africa. Although not found in most of Europe, it may be expanding its range due to climate change, a recent UK record was not unexpected.
Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus
Armenia 2019
Widespread in mountainous regions across Eurasia from the Pyrenees to China, but solitary and nowhere numerous, there is a second subspecies in the rift Valley of Africa, south to Drakensberg. I prefer the old name of Lammergeier.
Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus
Mongolia 2025
Famous for its habit of breaking bones by dropping them on to rocks, Lammergeiers are rarely seen on the ground, although in Mongolia they may be found near towns and at lower altitudes, carcasses are plentiful.
Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus
Spain 2017
This species is found from the Iberian Peninsular to India, although we saw one in Hong Kong. Some poulations are migratory, and a subspecies is found in subsaharan Africa. A third subspecies is found in the Canaries. Nowhere numerous, it is listed as Endangered.
European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus
Ghana 2024
With a tiny population in the UK, this numerous migratory species occurs across n. Europe as far east as sw Siberia, migrating to subsaharan Africa. A woodland species, it soars occasionally. Its similarity to Common Buzzard may be defence mimicry, as they are not closely related.
Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus
Sri Lanka 2023
There are six subspecies of this bird, found throughout much of eastern Asia. Birds breeding in Japan and northern China are migratory, other populations such as those on the Indian subcontinent, are resident. They are thought to mimic Hawk-eagles visually.
Himalayan Vulture Gyps himalayensis
Nepal 2002
Although similar in appearence to Griffon, this Near-threatened species is larger, and differs in several respects including diet. It is found in mountainous regions of the Himalayas, Mongolia and Tibetan plateau, although juveniles may wander to lower elevations.
Himalayan Vulture Gyps himalayensis
Mongolia 2025
Birds seem tied to mountainous areas, at least in Mongolia, and whilst they are not widespread, large numbers can be seen in areas where they do occur. In many areas they seem unaffected by diclofenac, since it is not used.
Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus
Spain 2017
Found discontinuously from Spain east across much of Asia and the Arabian peninsular, some birds move to North Africa and northern India. Not affected by diclofenac, populations have in the past been deliberately poisoned, although the situation is better now in most areas.
Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus
Spain 2017
The largest Old World vulture, found from S. Europe to C. Asia, Pakistan and Nw. India, with some non-breeders moving to China and Se Asia. Listed as Near-threatened, it has been called Monk Vulture, or even Black, which invites confusion with the American species.
Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus
Mongolia 2025
A widespread but mainly solitary species found in many habitats away from human habitation, although one did fly over our hotel on the outskirts of Ulaan-Bator. Capable of flying very high due to adaptations in its blood. It is rare and populations are fragmented in Europe.
Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela
Nepal 2002
Serpent Eagles of the genus Spilornis occur throughout tropical Asia. They are very variable, both in size and plumage. Twenty-one subspecies have been described, a further five species occur in the genus, but several subspecies have been split or re-lumped.
Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus
Armenia 2019
A fairly common eagle from Spain to northern China and India, with a second subspecies on Java, Bali, Timor and Lombok. Closely related to five others in the same genus, all of which are found in Africa. There are recent records from the UK from as long ago as 1999.
Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus cirrhatus
Nepal 2002
A common hawk-eagle on the Indian subcontinent, also Indo-China and the Phillipines. Plumage is variable, and five subspecies constitute a taxonomic nightmare. Formerly known as Crested Hawk-Eagle, it has been split and re-lumped and is currently listed as a potential split.
Crested Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus cirrhatus ceylonensis Sri Lanka 2023
Plumage, and also size are variable. The Sri Lankan subspecies is known locally as "Crested" and is somewhat smaller and often paler than other members of the species. Reasonably common throughout the island,but a split would involve the nominate also.
Black Eagle Ictinaetus malaiensis
Sri Lanka 2023
Widespread in the oriental region from Northern India to Indonesia, this eagle preys on eggs and nestlings, thus it is often seen soaring above the canopy, when its distinctive shape enables easy identification. The long primaries aid slow flight and searching for nests.
Lesser Spotted-eagle Clanga pomarina
Armenia 2019
Formerly placed in Aquila and lumped with Indian Spotted Eagle, found mainly in Eastern Europe and Asia Minor, some birds wintering in Africa. I have little experience of the species, I managed to grab this shot of a bird rapidly flying over.
Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus
Armenia 2019
A small, buzzard-sized eagle found across Europe and northwest Africa to Central Asia, migrating south to Africa and India. Two phases occur, light and dark, in our experience the light phase predominates, but both show the "landing lights", pale diagnostic shoulder patches seen head-on.
Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus
Armenia 2019
Infamous in the UK for the bird which toured Northern Ireland and southwest England in 1999. Not accepted at the time, a current "repeat" will surely allow a re-think. One of the reasons for rejection was primary damage, much like this wild bird in Armenia.
Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis
Kazakhstan 2021
A bird of eastern Europe and central Asia, found in steppe, semi-desert and open wooded hills. Migrating south in winter, it is widespread in eastern Africa and India. Very similar to the next species but the long gape-line is diagnostic.
Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis
Mongolia 2025
Somewhat larger than Tawny Eagle, and less variable, there are two subspecies, the nominate from eastern Kazakhstan to northern China, and orientalis which is the one that migrates to Africa. Both birds shown are of the nominate race.
Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax
Ethiopia 2011
Found over much of Africa and the Indian subcontinent, very similar to Steppe Eagle but having light and dark phases. There are three subspecies, but vindhiana is often split as Indian Tawny Eagle, which we haven't seen.
Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti
Spain 2017
Once a race of the next species, it is listed as Vulnerable, and breeds in Spain and adjacent areas of Portugal. Juveniles wander to Morocco, and have been reported as vagrants to the Netherlands, Senegal and Mauretania.
Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca
Nepal 2002
Similar to Golden Eagle, found in lowland steppe and marshland across central Asia north of the mountain ranges, and with a few pockets in southeast Europe, birds migrate south to North Africa , India and southeast Asia. Listed as Vulnerable.
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
Armenia 2019
Possibly the most widespread eagle, six subspecies are found in mountainous and hilly regions not only over most of Eurasia but also large areas of Canada and the USA, away from populated areas. More northern birds may migrate south in North America.
Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
Sutton Bridge 2015
A common species throughout most of Europe and Asia, some birds also migrating to Africa and the Indian Subcontinent. Seven subspecies have been described, and birds tend to be larger and paler towards the east. In many parts of the worlod numbers are increasing.
Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
Sutton Bridge 2011
Found in woodland, parks and large gardens, their prey is predominantly small birds, although large females will take pigeons. A regular visitor to our garden, much to the annoyance of birds at our feeders, they were rare in East Anglia post DDT, but are now common.
Eurasian Goshawk Astur gentilis
Norfolk 2019
Widespread throughout n. Eurasia, a bird of forests. Numbers have risen considerably in the UK recently and following the recent split of American Goshawk the name changed from "Northern" to "Eurasian". It has also ben placed in a new genus, having formerly been an accipiter.
Eurasian Goshawk Astur gentilis
Norfolk 2019
Often sparrowhawks are mistaken for goshawks, especially in Norfolk. This distant upperwing shot shows the jizz to be quite different, the broad wings aid agility in forests when hunting. Although a large female sparrowhawk may approach goshawk in size, the latter is much bulkier.
Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
Norfolk 2020
A common species in western Eurasia, at one time there were no more than six pairs in the UK, but they have gradually spread over most of the United Kingdom and Ireland, although there are areas where they are uncommon. At one time UK birds migrated south in winter, but many now remain all year.
Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Kazakhstan 2022
Birds are found in Africa, where many are migrants, and as far east as Mongolia, where immatures and females can invite confusion with the next species. Males appear very different because of the brown being replaced by black.
Eastern Marsh Harrier Circus spilonotus
Mongolia 2025
Not particularly closely related to Western, this is a striking harrier, breeding in eastern Asia and migrating south. In areas of overlap it is usually the more common species, but is rarely found west of Mongolia. It was formerly lumped with Papuan Harrier.
Eastern Marsh Harrier Circus spilonotus
Mongolia 2025
The range may be greater than realised, but is is reported as rare in Russia and Japan, indicating a preference for warmer areas. The vast majority are probably migratory since winter in their breeding areas is usually harsh. Seemingly quite common in Mongolia, where these shots were taken, we have also seen them in Hong Kong in April.
Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus
Norfolk 2011 female
Breeding across northern Eurasia, including the UK, birds move south in winter to use regular roost sites. Fairly common in most of the range, females tend to be more numerous as they are polygynous, up to five mating with one male in a season.
Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus
Norfolk 2015 male
Like most harriers these are birds of open country, and difficult to approach closely. Many years of trying I have still not got a decent photo of a male. Populations in the UK have been decimated by gamekeepers and those who like killing gamebirds, many not from the UK.
Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus
Kazakhstan 2022 male
This aptly named bird is a beautiful harrier. Breeding in eastern Europe, central Asia and Iran, its stronghold is probably the steppe country of northern Kazakhstan. Birds migrate south in winter, mainly to south-east Asia and India, but some to Africa.
Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus
Norfolk 2015 1CY female
Whether due to climate change or habitat loss, this species is now a regular vagrant to the UK. Listed as Near-threatened primarily due to steppes being taken over for agriculture, it seems to be moving west. It has bred in Finland, the Netherlands (2017) and Spain (2019).
Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus
Lincolnshire 2004
Found in most of Europe except Norway, and with a large population in Russia, this species visits the UK every year, but of late it has not bred. Quite common in most of its range, the UK is on the very edge, there is no reason it might not breed again.
Red Kite Milvus milvus
Wales 2011
Probably the most photographed raptor in the UK, so I've put in a leucistic bird, not uncommon in the Gigrin area. Outside of the UK the species now only breeds in Europe, with increases in some countries and declines in others. A subspecies on Cabo Verde is probably extinct.
Black Kite Milvus migrans migrans
Extremadura 2017
A very common and variable bird found over most of Eurasia and Australia. Five subspecies are listed, at one time Yellow-billed Kite of Africa was considered conspecific, and many authorities also regard the next as a valid species.
Black-eared Kite Milvus (migrans) lineatus
Norfolk 2006
This is the eastern subspecies which was at one time considered a full species. There are a few possible sightings in the UK, this being the first one, originally close to our house in Lincolnshire, and moving to Norfolk later, where it happened to fly over me in a car park!.
Black-eared Kite Milvus (migrans) lineatus
Mongolia 2025
Commonly found over much of Asia, Black Kite may be the most abundant raptor in the world, especially in southern Asia. A part scavenger, it has benefitted from the demise of vultures, and is tolerant of human populations.
Steller's Sea Eagle Haliaeetus pelagicus
Kamchatka 1993
The heaviest raptor in the world, found in north east Asia, Kamchatka and Hokkaido being strongholds. It is listed as Vulnerable. Some birds are migrants, and there has been a long-staying vagrant in the USA, which started in Alaska and is currently in Newfoundland (2024).
White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla
Mull 2000
Another large eagle, found across northern Eurasia but patchily distributed. Some migrate south in winter, UK records before re-introduction were usually juveniles from Europe. After successful releases the bird is now well-established in Scotland and parts of England.
Sanford's (Solomon) Sea Eagle Icthyophaga sanfordi
Bouganville 2007
Endemic to The Solomons except Rennell and Temotu, once overlooked as a juvenile White-tailed Eagle, to which it is closely related. Listed as Vulnerable, it is also known as Solomon Eagle, and features on postage stamps of that country.
Grey-headed Fish Eagle Icthyophaga ichthyaetus
Nepal 2002
Found in much of southeast Asia and parts of India, this species is almost always tied to water as its main prey is fish. It is classified as Near-threatened as declines are occuring in most areas, and it is rare or local throughout most of its range.
Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus
Norfolk 2004
Widespread across Eurasia and North America, breeding in northern latitudes and moving south in winter. It used to be a regular visitor to the UK, but numbers wintering have dropped in recent years. There are four subspecies, the Canadian/Alaskan one has occurred in Ireland.
Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasus
Mongolia 2025
The largest Buzzard, closely related to the next species. It is a bird of mainly high altitude, and thinly distributed. Its core range is Mongolia and China, but it extends from Kazakhstan to Korea. It migrates , but only as far as is necessary to avoid snow cover, its main prey being small mammals.
Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasus
Mongolia 2025
Normally difficult to approach, this bird was seen on a huge nest. It is an extreme of plumage, with an almost white head and tail. Such birds can more easily be distinguished from Long-legged Buzzards, which tend to show a rufous tail. Although the latter is a lower altitude bird, there is much overlap.
Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus
Armenia 2019
Found in similar areas to Common Buzzard but largely absent from Europe, this species prefers dry open steppes or semi-desert lowland areas, although may visit higher and more wooded elevations on migration. It does not extend to eastern Asia. A smaller subspecies breeds in North Africa.
Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus
Armenia 2019
Although variable in plumage we have only ever seen "typical" pale phase birds, orange in the uppertail is usually a good first indication. Records in Europe are increasing, and a bird occurred on Shetland in 2019.
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo
Wales 2013
Widespread and common in the Palearctic, breeding at lower latitudes than Rough-legged. There are six subspecies, others have been split to become full species. Resident in Europe, other populations are migratory, moving as far as the southern tip of Africa.
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo
Wales 2013
Far commoner in most of the UK in recent years, certainly in the east, it is probably the most variable of all buzzards. Many birds are dark, but paler ones not uncommon, I have seen a similar bird to this reported as a Short-toed Eagle!
Steppe Buzzard Buteo (buteo) vulpinus
Armenia 2019
A rufous subspecies inhabiting north and east Europe and central Asia, which is usually smaller. It has often been suggested as a split, but its migratory behaviour and ready hybridisation with nominate birds do not support this.
Collared Falconet Microhierax caerulescens
Nepal 2002
Two subspecies of this tiny bird occur from ne India through se Asia. Although numerically quite common, it is a bird of open forests and infrequently seen, its habit of perching in the open aids viewing but it is often difficult to approach.
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni
Spain 2017
Breeding in a relatively narrow belt from the Mediterranean to Mongolia, but in decline in Europe, this species is not closely related to Common Kestrel, but is extremely similar in plumage details, such that one of the positive ways to identify one is its yellow claws.
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni
Spain 2017
Nestbox schemes are helping populations in Spain and Portugal. It is thought that the similar appearence may be due to Müllerian mimicry, allowing the larger bird's "reputation" to aid defence against possible predators.
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Norfolk 2005
The use of the epithet "common" is appropriate for once, eleven subspecies are found across Eurasia and Africa, only being absent where habitat is unsuitable such as high mountains or arid deserts. Several island forms are potential splits.
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Suffolk 2022
"True" kestrels frequently look similar but many are island endemics. Hovering is the frequent method of hunting, the old English name for them was Windhover. One of the UK's commonest raptors, frequently seen above roadside verges looking for small rodents.
Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus
Norfolk 2013
Breeding from E.Europe across Central Asia, this species migrates to southern Africa in large flocks, where it meets up with its eastern counterpart, Amur Falcon. Formerly they were lumped, but distinctive plumage differences, particularly in males, have resulted in a split. Usually found in open country, its main prey being insects on the wing.
Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus
Kazakhstan 2023
An annual vagrant to the UK, May being the favoured month. Often found in areas where Hobbies occur, there are records in October, when Hobbies have left, but birds are easy to identify given reasonable views. They will hover, not as often as Kestrels, but it is a good first indicator. Numbers in England seem to be increasing, breeding is a possibility.
Amur Falcon Falco amurensis
Mongolia 2025
Breeding in Eastern Asia and Mongolia, this close relative of Red-footed Falcon is well known for migrating in large flocks, across southern India and the Indian Ocean, to winter in southern Africa. Crossing such a large water body has resulted in a number of vagrants in Europe, including the UK. It is also possible birds may return north with Red-foot flocks.
Sooty Falcon Falco concolor
Madagascar 2013.
Breeds in desert regions from Libya to sw Pakistan, with a very fragmented distribution, birds migrate to s. Africa and Madagascar, where wintering areas are varied, from towns to rainforest. Adults are unmistakeable, but juveniles may cause confusion with Eleonora's.
Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo
Norfolk 2024
A very common species across much of Eurasia, wintering in south-east Asia and southern Africa. A very agile hunter, taking birds and large insects on the wing. Numbers in the UK are much increased recently, probably a result of climate change. Often found near water, presumably attracted by large numbers of insects.
Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus
Devon 1986
The falcon everyone wants to see, breeding in Arctic Europe, Asia and North America. There are many UK records, the first accepted was in 1830, but the majority are on northern islands, or untwitchable. The exception of course is this bird taken at Berry Head in 1986. Sadly a favourite of Arab falconers, this has resulted in hybrids which may escape in the UK.
Altai Falcon Falco cherrug/altaicus?
Kazakhstan 1992
Once thought to be a distinct species, this is a rare colour phase of Saker Falcon, however a paper in 2023 suggested it was in fact genetically distinct, having elements of Saker, Lanner and Peregrine in its lineage. Found in mountainous regions of Asia.
Saker Falcon Falco cherrug
Mongolia 2o25
Once thought to be a distinct species, this is a rare colour phase of Saker Falcon, however a paper in 2023 suggested it was in fact genetically distinct, having elements of Saker, Lanner and Peregrine in its lineage. Found in mountainous regions of Asia.
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
Norfolk 2019
Eighteen subspecies occur throughout the world, some are very different, surely there must be more than one species somewhere? Fortunes in the UK have vastly improved, the easiest place to see one now is on a church tower.
Western Barn Owl Tyto alba alba
Lincolnshire 2025
There are ten subspecies currently of "our" Barn Owl, American and Eastern being given full species several years ago. A common species from NW Africa to the Balkans, further north in Europe the race Guttata extends to Ukraine. Remaing subspecies are mainly island forms.
Western Barn Owl Tyto alba guttata
Lincolnshire 2025
Predominant in central and eastern Europe, this subspecies is an infrequent visitor to the UK. It is darker overall, particularly on the breast, being known as Dark-breasted Barn Owl. Given previous studies of the Tytonidae, a split is not impossible.
Western Barn Owl Tyto alba guttata
Norfolk 2003
Birds with dark breasts, however, are found within clutches born in the UK, whether this is a genetic throwback is not known, and the situation seems unclear. This bird was not accepted as a genuine guttata. Guttata themselves have varying plumage, but none has a white breast.
Sri Lanka Bay Owl Phodilus assimilis
Sri Lanka 2023
The Tytonidae includes Sooty, Grass and Bay Owls as well as Barn Owls, although most do bear at least a superficial resemblance with a heart-shaped face. Until 2005 one species (Oriental Bay Owl), it is not endemic to Sri Lanka, but occurs in southwest India also.
Brown Boobook Ninox scutulata lugubris
Nepal 2002
The Ninox genus is a basal genus of the Strigidae, or true owls, found throughout Asia, Australasia and islands of the western Pacific. Formerly some were called Hawk-Owls, this has been replaced by Boobook, presumably to avoid confusion with Northern Hawk Owl.
Brown Boobook Ninox scutulata hirsuta
Sri Lanka 2023
Brown Boobook has nine subspecies throughout India and East Asia. It formerly included a number of island forms, especially in the Phillipines, and also Northern Boobook, which ranges to Japan and Siberia. Quite variable, as these photos show.
Little Owl Athene noctua
Lincolnshire 2023
Found in much of Europe and Asia north of the Himalayas, also parts of north Africa. It is a familiar owl of open country and lightly wooded areas, often seen in daylight although dusk is its preferred hunting period. Strangely it is not native but was introduced to the UK in 1842.
Hutton's Little Owl Athene noctua bactriana
Kazakhstan 2022
Whilst the subspecies lilith is most often proposed as a good species, this probably has equally good credentials, as it overlaps in range with lilith, and is morphologically similar, to my mind at least. Both are desert dwellers.
Spotted Owlet Athene brama indica
Nepal 2002
Widespread and common from Iran to Southeast Asia, this is the subspecies from more northern regions. There are four other subspecies. Somewhat smaller than Little Owl, it is less often seen in daylight, this bird was an exception.
Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum
Sri Lanka 2023
Confined to the Indian subcontinent, there are two subspecies of this relatively common owl. Malabaricum, found in south west India, may warrant full species status. The main distinguishing feature is the extensive barring, the colour is variable.
Chestnut-backed Owlet Glaucidium
castanotum Sri Lanka 2023
This Sri Lankan endemic is a bird of forested regions, classified as Near-threatened. It is active by day but can be difficult to find. This shot was taken by a friend, I have the same shot but my image stabiliser had got switched off so it wasn't suitable.
Serendib Scops Owl Otus thilohoffmanni
Sri Lanka 2023
Another endemic, but only formally described in 2004, and considered Endangered. Strictly nocturnal, it hunts insects etc. near the ground and discovering one without a guide is all but impossible, as it roosts during the day in cover and rarely flies.
Pallid Scops Owl Otus brucei
Dubai 2016
Found from the Middle East to northern India and Central Asia, quite similar to Eurasian Scops but generally paler. Formerly known as Striated Scops Owl, it is an insectivore favouring palm plantations. Most birders catch up with it in the UAE or Egypt, where daytime roosts are known.
Eurasian Scops Owl Otus scops
Cornwall 1995
Found in S. Europe and parts of Central Asia, this common species is migratory and winters in Africa. There are five subspecies, a sixth, Cyprus Scops, was split recently. A vagrant to the UK, although not always twitchable, this bird was famously on an exposed rock in daylight.
Eurasian Scops Owl Otus scops pulchellus
Kazakhstan 2022
Generally greyer than other subspecies, this bird was a pleasant surprise when it appeared one morning at a nest-box thought to have been long abandoned. The most easterly subspecies, from Kazakhstan to south Siberia and western Himalayas.
Indian Scops Owl Otus bakkamoena
Sri Lanka 2023
Widespread in various habitats from woodland to deserts, these birds were roosting in the front garden of an hotel. Found from Pakistan through Central and Southern India to Sri Lanka, there are four subspecies, generally pale or buffy.
Long-eared Owl Asio otus
Kent 2017
A widespread and common species of the Northern hemisphere, with four subspecies. Birds, especially young ones, move in winter, often forming large communal roosts, and the numbers resident in the UK are increased by birds from Europe.
Long-eared Owl immature Asio otus
Warwickshire 1988
Whilst migrants may be quite visible, this owl is strictly nocturnal and roosts in thickets This makes breeding birds difficult to locate and whilst there are a number of known winter roost areas, it is possible to visit several times before sighting one.
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
Suffolk 1988
Circumpolar in the Northern hemisphere, again moving south in winter, this is actually rarer in the UK than Long-eared but is far more often seen since its preferred habitat is moorland and other open areas. There are eleven subspecies.
Short-eared Owl Asio otus
Kent 2017
Of the eleven subspecies the nominate is found in all northern hemisphere locations, the others are all island forms or found in areas of South America. Whether this a true reflection or a result of less research in Eurasia is unclear.
Snowy Owl Bubo scandiacus
Lincolnshire 1990
Circumpolar on Arctic Tundra, birds move south outside the breeding season, and have bred on Shetland in the past. Whilst I have seen them in several countries I have never managed a decent photo, this bir toured Lincolnshire and Norfolk in the winter of 1990/1991.
Pharaoh Eagle-Owl Bubo ascalaphus
Dubai 2016
Found from northwest Africa to the Arabian peninsular, this distinctive desert species was once lumped with Eurasian Eagle Owl Rarely seen in daylight, this bird provided a stroke of luck when it left its roost cave unusually early, according to our guide.
Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis
Sri Lanka 2023
A not uncommon species from Turkey to Southeast Asia, it's Turkish population was only recently re-discovered, making it of interest to Western Palearctic listers. We have seen them in Nepal and Sri Lanka, of four subspecies this one is restricted to Sri Lanka.
Tawny Owl Strix aluco
Lincolnshire 2022
Although the commonest owl in Europe, it can be difficult to see since it is strictly nocturnal and roosts in dense cover. This bird is unusual in that it roosts in a hole and is usually visible throughout the day if the weather is fine. We often hear them at home but have never seen one locally.