Unlike the preceding species, this bird inhabits fens, marshes, and open moorlands. In Scotland it nests fairly commonly, but in England it is decidedly rare and local as a breeding species, while it has never been known to breed in Ireland.

The nest is placed on the ground, at the foot of a small bush in long sedge, or among heather. No real nest is made, but a few bits of grass or heather are arranged round the eggs. These are usually five in number, and, like all Owls’ eggs, pure white. In some seasons these Owls become much more abundant in certain places, due generally to a great increase in their food, which consists almost entirely of field-voles. In the years when these voles increase to an enormous extent, this species will also appear nesting in considerable numbers, where it was almost unknown before, and in such seasons as many as twelve eggs have been found in a clutch. It is by no means a nocturnal bird but takes its food by day, and may thus be easily noticed on its approach in a new locality. The flight is somewhat heavy and uncertain, frequently twisting about and rolling from side to side.