This has led to a propensity of owls being offered for sale through the likes of local papers, car boot sales, etc. All owl species are predatory, and the majority are nocturnal hunters. Tawny owls are our biggest common owl, familiar in Britain’s woodland, parks and gardens. It is therefore disappointing that current legal protection does not extend to nest sites outside the nesting season. Five species of owl breed regularly in Britain and Ireland, four of which (barn, tawny, long-eared and short-eared owl) are native and one of which (little owl) was introduced during the late 1800s. However, barn owls have further protection against disturbance whilst at or near its nest. Tawny owls are making a comeback, wildlife experts hope after a baby was spotted in the Royal parks for the first time in more than a decade. +44 (0) 1364 653026 The information on this page refers specifically to Barn Owls; the level of protection for other owl species such as Tawny and Little Owl is less extensive and does not include special protection against disturbance whilst nesting. We are calling on Londoners to let us know if they hear or see any owls, in order to raise awareness of the city's owl populations and their conservation requirements. Owls are distinctive and much-loved countryside birds. Tawny owls are making a comeback, wildlife experts hope after a baby was spotted in the Royal parks for the first time in more than a decade. We want to help our Little Owls. Lv 7. Thanks Movie Master for reading about barn owls and leaving a comment.. Housing development and changes in farming methods have also added to their decline. Did you scroll all this way to get facts about owl protection? BirdLife International, June 24, 2009. The Northern Spotted Owl (a subspecies of the Spotted Owl) has been protected by the Endangered Species Act since 1990, and six additional owl species have been placed on Partners in Flight's Yellow Watch List, indicating the need for conservation action. Experts are also studying whether Eagle owls are definitively breeding in the wild here, and whether the introduction of this species will pose problems for native wildlife. Despite their decline in the wild, Barn Owls breed very easily in captivity and there is a large population of legitimate captive birds in the UK. Due to their habitat being destroyed, hunting, and other problems such as viruses they have a population that is very low. The regulation means that it is an offense to intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct a birds nest. Fortunately the destruction of sites that Barn Owls use is a rare occurrence, partly because the majority of site owners are sympathetic, and partly because the protection afforded within planning policy is in place at all times, as is the requirement for site checks for the avoidance of reckless disturbance. What owls live in the UK? Barn Owls survive mainly on small animals like: short-tail voles, mice and rats, the voles in particular are very important to them. Waterleat, Ashburton, Devon TQ13 7HU So, we've launched a project dedicated to UK Little Owl research and conservation.. You can read our aims here.We want to further our understanding of UK Little Owl ecology. For payments we use PayPal who are the world leaders in secure payment and accept all major credit and debits cards. It has been known for the Barn Owl to lay up to 12 eggs. However, our basic advice to those who may be considering keeping an owl as a pet is - DON’T. They are found across the UK, although there are … Skip to main content. There are fears that the eagle owl, a non-native species seen in growing numbers in the British Isles, poses a serious threat to established wildlife. How to talk to children about the Climate Crisis, extra legal protection against disturbance when nesting, Special legal protection for nesting Barn Owls.