In Europe, this species breeds mainly on moorland, marshes and bogs, in newly cleared forest and young evergreen plantations, in uncultivated grassland and in steppe (Olsen et al. 2013). It breeds between late march and June and generally lays seven to ten eggs (König 2008). It nests on the ground on a dry site, sometimes in wetter situation and female shows tendency to build nest (almost unique behaviour among Strigidae) (Olsen et al. 2013). It feeds mostly on small mammals but also other small vertebrates and insects (König 2008), but usually relies on rodent populations which can determine its spatial distribution and nesting success (Hagemejer and Blair 1997). In the north of its range in Europe it is thought to be highly migratory although migration may be confused with nomadic food searches and juvenile dispersal. Wintering areas may also become breeding areas if food is plentiful (Olsen et al. 2013).

Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. Bern Convention Appendix II. EU Birds Directive Annex I. The protection of nesting cover for waterfowl and reclaimed and replanted strip-mines and dyke land, which provide nesting and foraging cover has indirectly benefited this species (Olsen et al. 2013).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Large continuous tracts of habitat should be maintained (Olsen et al. 2013); importantly marshlands and moorlands need to be protected from destruction, drainage and afforestation and agricultural habitats such as meadows and old pasturelands should be managed for conservation (Tucker and Heath 1994). Other management suggestions have included establishing a standardized survey protocol, monitoring predation and human disturbance and public education and research (Olsen et al. 2013).