​Why they are protected
We have 2 species of resident owls in Jersey:
You can also see the short-eared owl and the little owl.
In 2023, there were an estimated:
- 60 breeding pairs of barn owls
- 27 pairs of long-eared owls
Numbers have stabilised in Jersey. This is mostly due to the positive land management practices, including the return or many fields and field edges to grass.
Barn owl on RSPB
Long-eared owl on RSPB
Owls in Jersey are protected under the law.
Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2021 guidance
Habitat, breeding and diet​
The barn owls’ main prey items are:
- shrews
- bank voles
- wood mice
They hunt in open countryside and hedgerows. They’ll fly early or late during daylight hours when they’re feeding their young or if the weather reduces their hunting time.
Barn owls occasionally use farm buildings or hollow trees to roost, but most often purpose-built nest boxes.
Long-eared owls roost in trees and dense cover. They nest in ivy-covered trees or use old bird nests in large trees. They are very territorial during their breeding season but they will roost together in dense tree cover outside of the breeding season.
Long-eared owls are great at hunting​ in woodlands. Their prey is similar to the barn owls’ although they also take small roosting birds. They mainly hunt from dusk to dawn.
Conservation efforts
As part of our conservation efforts we provide well-managed woodlands and connect these wooded areas across our rural landscape.
How you can help
The Jersey Barn Owl Conservation Network is a small team of volunteers who:
- monitor and maintain 252 nest boxes
- record barn owls’ activities and breeding activities
- undertake a ringing programme
- look after injured or sick owls until they are fit to be released back into the wild
If you see a damaged next box or want to get involved in the network you can call:
- Marc Peters on +44 (0) 7797 858372
- Bob Tompkins +44 (0) 7797 749616
Jersey Barn Owl Conservation Network on Facebook
Reporting your wildlife sightings helps us understand our species, supports our research and informs decision-making.
Report your wildlife sightings​
gov.je