Tawny Owl
Strix aluco
Also known as: Brown Owl
The Tawny Owl is the most common owl in the UK and Europe, found in woodlands, parks, and gardens. They are highly territorial and vocal; the classic 'twit-twoo' call is actually a duet between a male and a female. Their incredible night vision and asymmetrical ears allow them to pinpoint prey in complete darkness.
Tawny Owl Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tawny Owl
The familiar “too-wit too-woo” is not usually one bird making both sounds. It is typically a duet, with the female giving the sharper introductory note and the male answering with the deeper territorial hoot.
The Tawny Owl can be found in Europe, Asia and is most often associated with Woodlands, parks, gardens.
The Tawny Owl feeds on Small mammals, birds, insects and is considered a carnivore.
The Tawny Owl is currently listed as Least Concern, with a stable population trend. Main threats include Habitat fragmentation, Rodenticides.
The Tawny Owl is usually solitary/pairs.
The Tawny Owl is typically nocturnal.
The Tawny Owl is resident.
The main threats facing the Tawny Owl include Habitat fragmentation and Rodenticides.
The Tawny Owl population trend is currently stable.
Well-known places to look for the Tawny Owl include Thetford Forest (UK) and Epping Forest (UK).
Natural predators of the Tawny Owl include Goshawks and Eagle-owls.
The voice of the 'classic' owl in European literature and cinema.
The Tawny Owl is part of the Strigidae family and a Strigiformes order.
The Tawny Owl weighs about 0.5 kg, stands around 38 cm tall, reaches about 39 cm in length, and has a wingspan of about 95 cm.
The Tawny Owl can reach speeds of around 40 km/h.
