Best time to see: Oct to Apr

Key facts

Pale owl often seen hunting in daylight over rough grassland such as seawalls

Habitat: moors, estuaries and freshwater marshes

Resident in the UK; breeds in northern Britain and winters in Essex, mainly along the coast

Recognition

Streaked brown plumage, pale below, and yellow eyes; 'ears' are tufts of feathers; male 35 cm, female 40 cm

Seen hunting low over marshes; may sit openly

Eats small mammals