Species · GBIF taxon 9282206
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoAlso known as Brown Owl, Beech Owl, Wood Owl
Tawny owls are highly nocturnal predators that rule mature European woodlands with silent flight and exceptional low-light vision. Their famous duet call consists of a sharp female contact call answered by the male's wavering, melancholic hoot. These territorial birds maintain the same woodland boundaries for life, fiercely defending their chosen tree hollows from intruders.
NocturnalForest DwellerVocal
Licensed reference(c) caroline legg, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
- diet
- Carnivorous (rodents, small birds, frogs, and earthworms)
- family
- Strigidae
- threats
- Habitat loss, secondary poisoning from rodenticides, and vehicle collisions
- life Span
- 4 to 5 years in the wild, though some reach over 18 years
LC
Fiercely defends nests with sharp talons; keep a respectful distance during spring nesting season.
Nesting adults will silently dive-bomb intruders, aiming their sharp talons at the head and eyes to protect their chicks.
Avoid approaching active nest cavities between March and June, and wear a helmet or hood if you must pass nearby.- Listen at dusk: Listen for the male's long, wavering hoot echoing through mature woods just after sunset.
- Look for pellets: Search the base of large ivy-clad trees for grey, sausage-shaped pellets containing bones and fur.
- Respect nest sites: Keep your distance from tree hollows during spring to avoid disturbing nesting pairs.