Owls in Tyne and Wear
6 species matching this filter.
Tyne and Wear is home to 5 recorded owl species, ranging from the familiar Tawny Owl — a common resident of urban parks and woodland — to scarcer visitors such as the Eurasian Scops-owl. The county's mix of coastal grasslands, farmland, and riverside corridors provides varied hunting grounds for species like the Short-eared Owl and Long-eared Owl. For a broader look at these fascinating raptors across the country, see our Owls in the UK (Full Guide with Pictures).
Barn Owl
Tyto albaLC
A scarce resident, favouring farmland and rural fringes. Sightings are thinly spread, with records in winter, spring and summer months.
Nov–Jul
Eurasian Scops-owl
Otus scopsLC
An exceptionally rare autumn vagrant, recorded in September. One of the scarcest visitors to the region.
Sep
Little Owl
Athene noctuaLC
A rare and secretive resident found on farmland with old buildings and hedgerows, mainly in the rural west of the region.
May–Feb
Long-eared Owl
Asio otusLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, skulking in dense scrub and conifer plantations. Most likely encountered in winter months.
Jun–Mar
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeusLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to open grassland and coastal fields, mainly seen from autumn through to early spring.
Sep–Apr
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
A secretive resident of mature woodland and parks year-round. More often heard than seen, its hooting call carries through the region's wooded denes.
Year-round