What is a Tawny Owl?

The Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) is Britain's most widespread owl, and the one most people think of when they picture an owl in the woods. It is a stocky, round-headed bird that lives in woodland, parks and large gardens, hunts at night and spends the day hidden against a tree trunk. It is the source of the famous hooting heard on still evenings.

How big is a Tawny Owl?

It is a chunky, medium-sized owl, roughly 37–43 cm long with a wingspan of around 90–105 cm. It is noticeably bulkier and rounder than a Barn Owl, with a large head and a short tail.

What does a Tawny Owl weigh?

Most weigh somewhere between about 400 and 550 g. Females are larger and heavier than males, averaging around 520 g compared with roughly 420 g for males.

What does a Tawny Owl look like?

It has a large, round head with no ear tufts, large, dark eyes, and a rounded, streaky body. The upperparts are mottled brown or grey, and the paler underparts are heavily streaked. A darker edge to the face gives the head a neat outline.

Why are Tawny Owls so hard to spot?

Their mottled bark-coloured plumage is superb camouflage. By day, a Tawny Owl sits still on a branch, often against a trunk, and the pattern of its feathers blends with the bark, so it is far more often heard than seen.

Are there different colours of Tawny Owl?

Yes. There are grey-brown and rusty-brown forms, with many birds falling somewhere in between. The colour is inherited rather than changing with age or season, and both forms can turn up in the same wood.

How many species of Tawny Owl are there?

Britain has just one, and it is the same species found across much of Europe and Asia. Across that huge range, the Tawny Owl is divided into around a dozen regional forms, known as subspecies, that differ a little in size and colour. It belongs to the family of typical owls, not the barn owl family.

How do you tell a male from a female?

Their plumage is very similar, so it is very difficult to tell them apart by looks alone. Females are larger and noticeably heavier, and the voices differ: the male gives the long hoot, while the female's usual call is a sharp "kewick".

How can you tell a Tawny Owl from a Barn Owl?

A Tawny Owl is a plump brown bird with a round head and dark eyes, while a Barn Owl is slimmer, almost white, and has longer visible legs and a white heart-shaped face. Tawny Owls hoot and Barn Owls screech. Tawny Owls live mostly in and around woods, and Barn Owls prefer open, grassy country.

How long do Tawny Owls live?

A typical wild Tawny Owl lives about four years, although that average is dragged down by many young birds that die in their first year. Adults that hold a territory can live much longer, and the oldest ringed bird on record in Britain lived for over 23 years.

Where in the world are Tawny Owls found?

Across a broad band of Europe and western Asia, and in parts of north-west Africa. Within the British Isles, they live throughout Great Britain but are missing from Ireland, the Isle of Man and many smaller islands.

Why is the Tawny Owl also called the Brown Owl?

"Tawny" describes its warm orange-brown colouring, and "Brown Owl" is an older everyday name for the same bird. Its eerie night-time calls also gave it a place in folklore, where hearing one was often taken as an omen.

What adaptations does a Tawny Owl have?

• Camouflage: bark-coloured plumage lets it blend in with trees by day.
• Excellent hearing: it can pinpoint small animals rustling in leaf litter, even in the dark.
• Big, forward-facing eyes: these are built to gather as much light as possible at night.
• Quiet flight: soft feather surfaces and fringed wing edges muffle the noise of wingbeats.
• Rounded, broad wings: these let it manoeuvre between trees in woodland.
• Powerful talons: sharp feet grip prey firmly.

What's special about the Tawny Owl's round face?

The broad, rounded face acts as a sound funnel. Its feathers guide noise towards the ears, boosting the owl's already sharp hearing. More importantly, the plain face and dark eyes also give the head a rounded, almost featureless look that helps it in tree camouflage.

Can Tawny Owls see in the dark?

They see very well in low light, far better than we can, but in a woodland at night they lean heavily on their hearing. A Tawny Owl can locate a small animal moving on the ground using sound alone.

How do Tawny Owls see so well?

Their large eyes take in lots of light, and the retina is packed with cells designed for low-light conditions. The eyes face forward, so both work together to give a good sense of depth, which is handy when judging a leap onto prey from a branch.

Can Tawny Owls move their eyes?

Not really. The eyes are held firmly in place, so the owl turns its whole head to look around instead.

Can Tawny Owls see in colour?

Yes, they are thought to be able to see in colour to some extent, but their eyes are heavily dominated by rods optimised for high sensitivity in low light and nocturnal hunting, meaning colour vision functions best at higher light levels.

How good is a Tawny Owl's hearing?

Outstanding. A Tawny Owl mainly finds its prey by listening, and it can pinpoint the source of a faint rustle before dropping onto it, even when the animal is hidden under leaves.

Do Tawny Owls have ear tufts?

No. The Tawny Owl has a smooth, rounded head. The tufts seen on some other owls, such as the Long-eared Owl, are only feathers for display and have nothing to do with hearing.

Do Tawny Owls bob their heads like a Barn Owl?

No, not really; however, they still move their heads from side to side to judge distance and determine exactly where something is, especially when studying a possible meal from a perch.

How can a Tawny Owl turn its head so far?

Owls have extra neck bones and specially arranged blood vessels that keep the brain supplied while the head twists. A Tawny Owl can look about three-quarters of the way round in either direction, so it can see behind itself without moving its body.

Do Tawny Owls blink?

Yes. Like other owls, they usually close the upper eyelid to blink and the lower lid to sleep. A thin, clear inner eyelid also slides across the eye to clean and protect it.

What calls and sounds do Tawny Owls make?

The male gives a long, wavering hoot followed by a short pause and a softer rolling phrase. The female's usual call is a sharp "kewick". They also hiss, snap their bills and give a range of softer contact notes, while young birds make thin, rasping begging calls.

Why do Tawny Owls call so much?

Calling is how they claim and defend territory, keep in touch with a partner and strengthen their pair bond. Hooting is at its peak in autumn and late winter, when young birds are looking for territories and pairs are preparing to breed.

Is "twit-twoo" one owl or two?

It is two. A pair often duets, with the female giving her sharp "kewick" and the male answering with his hoot. Put together, the two calls make the "twit-twoo" people imagine a single owl saying. It's really easy to remember, which is why the call is described below.

• Female sound: She makes a sharp "tu-whit" sound, which sounds like "YouTwit".
• Male sound: He answers back with a long "tu-whoo" hoot, which sounds like "who?".

How fast do Tawny Owls fly?

Not especially fast. Their flight is steady and slightly heavy, with quick wingbeats and glides. Their real skill is manoeuvrability, since broad rounded wings let them weave through trees and land precisely.

Do Tawny Owls have a good sense of smell?

No, smell is weak in owls. They depend on hearing and eyesight to find food.

Why do Tawny Owls have feathered legs and feet?

The feathers keep the legs warm on cold nights and help to cushion them from the bites and scratches of struggling prey. They also help to keep the bird's outline soft and its movements quiet.

Are Tawny Owl feathers waterproof?

Only partly. The plumage is soft and fluffy for silent flight, so it soaks up rain more readily than the feathers of many birds. That is one reason they favour sheltered roosts, such as tree holes and thick ivy, and struggle to hunt in heavy rain.

How do Tawny Owls keep their feathers in good condition?

They preen with their beak, stretch and shake out their plumage, and sometimes bathe in shallow water. Old feathers are replaced gradually through a long summer and autumn moult so the owl is never left unable to fly.

Do Tawny Owls stand on one leg?

Yes, often when roosting but not as much as barn owls. Tucking one foot up into the belly feathers keeps it warm, and it is a sign the owl is relaxed.

When do Tawny Owls come out to hunt?

At dusk and through the night, with the busiest hunting soon after dark and again before dawn. They spend the daylight hours roosting.

How does a Tawny Owl hunt?

Mostly by sit-and-wait. It perches quietly on a branch or post, listening and watching, then glides down silently onto whatever it has detected. It may also walk on the ground to pull up earthworms, or snatch insects and small birds.

Why do I sometimes see Tawny Owls in daylight?

Usually because it has been disturbed from its roost, or small birds have found it and are mobbing it. Tawny Owls can also hunt by day when feeding hungry chicks in the short spring nights, or when food is hard to find.

What do Tawny Owls eat?

Mainly small mammals such as wood mice, voles and shrews. They also take rats, birds, frogs, earthworms, beetles and other insects, and their menu is far more varied than that of a Barn Owl. When feeding young, they may shift to larger prey, such as rats, since one rat can feed many hungry mouths.

Do Tawny Owls eat birds or bats?

Yes, on both counts. Birds can make up a large part of the diet, especially in towns and gardens, and bats are sometimes caught as they emerge from roosts. They have even been recorded taking goldfish from garden ponds.

How much does a Tawny Owl eat?

An adult needs several small animals in a night, although the exact number varies with prey size. A pair feeding a nest full of growing chicks must bring in far more, so hunting effort rises sharply in spring.

How many small animals does a Tawny Owl family eat in a year?

It is a very large number, running into hundreds of small mammals and other prey for a breeding pair. The precise total depends on the habitat and the amount of food available.

Do Tawny Owls store food?

Sometimes. When they catch more than they need, they may tuck surplus prey into a tree hole or a fork in the branches and return to it later, which helps them through lean spells.

Do Tawny Owls swallow mice and voles whole?

Small prey is usually swallowed whole, and the parts that can't be digested are coughed up later as a pellet. Larger prey may be torn into pieces first.

Where does a Tawny Owl eat its prey?

Most often on a favourite perch close to where it was caught. During the breeding season it carries food back to the nest for the female and chicks.

Why do Tawny Owls regurgitate pellets?

Fur, bones, feathers and insect cases can't be digested, so the owl compacts them into a neat lump and coughs it up. Pellets are usually coughed up and ejected outside the roost whilst sitting on hunting perches, and they are typically greyer and furrier than a Barn Owl's.

What can pellets tell us about a Tawny Owl?

Pulling one apart reveals bones, fur, feathers and insect remains, so it is like a record of recent meals. Because Tawny Owls eat such a mixed diet, their pellets often hold a wider variety of prey than those from a Barn Owl.

How can you tell a Tawny Owl pellet from a Barn Owl pellet?

Tawny Owl pellets are usually grey, furry and rough-looking, often with fragments of bone, feathers or beetle wing cases mixed in. Barn Owl pellets are dark, smooth and glossy with lots of neat, intact bones.

Is it safe to handle owl pellets?

Old, dry pellets pose little risk, and those sold to schools are usually heat-treated. Wear gloves for fresh ones, avoid touching your face and wash your hands afterwards.

Do Tawny Owls drink?

Yes, sometimes. They get much of their water from food, but they will drink and bathe at ponds, streams and even garden bird baths.

Can Tawny Owls hunt in rain or snow?

They find it harder. Heavy rain masks the faint sounds they listen for and soaks their feathers, and deep snow hides small mammals. Their varied diet and sheltered woodland hunting grounds give them more options than open-country owls, though long bad spells still cause hardship.

Do Tawny Owls depend on the vole cycle?

Less than Barn Owls do, because they can switch between different foods, but the numbers of woodland mice and voles still matter. When these are plentiful, pairs breed more successfully, and in poor years some pairs lay fewer eggs or skip breeding. Knowing their territory well helps them cope with lean times.

Are Tawny Owls harmed by rat and mouse poison?

Yes. An owl that eats a poisoned rodent can also absorb the poison, a process called secondary poisoning. It can weaken or kill the bird, so traps and good hygiene are much safer ways to deal with rodents.

Can you feed a Tawny Owl?

It's not recommended. Wild Tawny Owls can hunt perfectly well on their own, but feeding can make them dependent and attract rats. If you find a sick, injured or grounded bird, contact a wildlife rescue, RSPCA, or a raptor specialist.

When do Tawny Owls mate, and what time of year?

Courtship and hooting begin in autumn and continue through winter, and eggs are usually laid in March or April. Tawny Owls are among our earliest nesting birds, so some may start even earlier in mild seasons.

How do Tawny Owls court each other?

Through lots of calling and duetting, plus courtship feeding, where the male brings food to the female. These rituals strengthen the pair bond well before any eggs are laid.

Do Tawny Owls mate for life?

Yes, they usually pair for life. A pair stays together year-round in the same territory, and they often use the same nest site year after year.

Do Tawny Owls have multiple partners?

Almost always one. Rare cases of odd pairings have been recorded, but the normal pattern is a single lifelong partner.

How many eggs do Tawny Owls lay?

Normally two or three white eggs, although a clutch can range from one to six. The female lays them over several days, so the chicks hatch at different times.

How big is a Tawny Owl egg?

About 48 mm long and 39 mm wide, and it weighs roughly 39 g. That makes it a little smaller than a large hen's egg.

What colour is a Tawny Owl egg?

White, smooth and slightly glossy. It often becomes stained during incubation from the debris in the nest.

How many broods do they have?

Usually just one a year.

What's the incubation period?

About 30 days. The female sits on the eggs alone while the male brings her food.

Does the female ever leave the eggs?

Only for brief moments. She depends on the male to bring food, and she is fiercely protective of the nest. She may go outside to stretch her wings a little, bond with the male, and come back, even grabbing a snack on the way back, but this will only take around 10-15 minutes.

Will all the eggs hatch?

Not always. Some may be infertile or fail to develop, and others may be lost to cold or disturbance, so a nest often produces fewer chicks than eggs.

How does a chick get out of the egg?

A Tawny Owl chick breaks out of its shell using a special hard bump on its bill called an egg tooth, starting with a small hole (pipping) that grows into a crack before the mother helps pull the pieces away. The tooth falls off soon after hatching.

How does weather affect Tawny Owl breeding?

Cold, wet spells in early spring make hunting difficult for males and can reduce breeding success. Mild weather and plenty of food tend to give a much better breeding season.

How big are newly hatched owlets?

Tiny. They hatch blind and helpless, covered in pale down, and depend on their mother for warmth and food.

How do Tawny Owl chicks develop from hatching to flying?

The chicks grow quickly, swapping their first white down for a thicker coat and then developing proper feathers. They start clambering out of the nest onto nearby branches at about four weeks and can fly at around five weeks, although it takes longer before they fly well.

How fast do owlets grow?

Very fast. A chick adds weight rapidly in its first few weeks, driven by an endless supply of meals from the parents.

Why are the chicks in one nest so different sizes?

Incubation begins when the first egg is laid, so the eggs hatch in sequence rather than all at once. The oldest chick is much larger and often gets first pick of the food, which means the smallest may struggle when prey is scarce. This may seem cruel, but it helps ensure some of the brood survive when food is scarce.

Do both parents feed the chicks?

At first, the female stays with the chicks to keep them warm while the male brings food. As the chicks grow, both parents hunt and feed them.

Can a young owlet eat a mouse whole?

Not at first. Very young chicks are fed small, torn pieces, and they progress to larger prey and eventually to whole small animals as they grow.

Do Tawny Owls eat their young?

Not as a rule, but in lean years the youngest chick can be outcompeted, and a weak or dead chick may be eaten by a sibling or a parent.

How long does the owlet stay in the nest?

Around four weeks, typically 25 to 30 days, before it starts clambering out onto nearby branches. It cannot fly properly until about five weeks old, and it stays dependent on its parents for a couple of months after that.

What does the owlet do when it leaves the nest?

It begins "branching", climbing and clambering about in the trees, calling constantly so its parents can find and feed it. It stays dependent on them for a couple of months. In autumn, it heads off to look for its own territory, usually only a few kilometres away, and many that fail to find one do not survive.

Will the owlet come back each year?

No. Young Tawny Owls disperse and try to claim a vacant territory of their own. It is the resident adult pair that stays put and often returns to the same nest hole year after year.

When does an owlet breed?

Some can breed at one year old, but many wait until they have secured a territory, often in their second year.

What should I do if I find a baby Tawny Owl on the ground?

Usually, leave it alone. Young Tawnies leave the nest before they can fly and often end up on the ground, but they are good climbers, and their parents will keep feeding them. Only move one if it is in immediate danger, such as on a path or road, and then place it on a nearby branch or trunk. Don't try to put it back in the nest, and be aware that the parents may attack. If it is injured, contact a wildlife rescue or vet.

Do Tawny Owls sleep during the day?

Yes. They doze in a sheltered roost, such as thick ivy, a tree cavity or a spot pressed against a trunk, often staying almost motionless.

How far do Tawny Owls travel in a night?

Not far. They are resident and stay within their territory, hunting from perch to perch, so a night's movements are usually confined to an area of a few tens of hectares at most.

Do male and female Tawny Owls hunt together?

No, they hunt separately within the same territory. The male does most of the hunting early in the breeding season and feeds the female, and both hunt once the chicks are growing.

How do Tawny Owls defend themselves?

A threatened owl puffs up, hisses and snaps its bill. Parents defending a nest can be very aggressive, and they will swoop at intruders and strike with their talons.

What eats Tawny Owls?

Adult Tawny Owls have few predators, though large owls and birds of prey can take them. Eggs and chicks are at more risk from mammals such as stoats, and young owlets on the ground can be caught by foxes, cats and dogs. Roads are a major cause of death.

Do Tawny Owls get on with other birds?

Not always. Tawny Owls are dominant in woodland and can drive out, and sometimes kill, smaller owls such as Little and Long-eared Owls. They also compete for nest holes with jackdaws and stock doves, and small birds gang up to mob any Tawny Owl they find roosting.

Are Tawny Owls dangerous to people or pets?

Not normally, but a Tawny Owl guarding a nest or chick can attack anyone who gets too close, and its talons can cause serious injury. Give nest sites a wide berth, and keep dogs and small pets away from them in spring.

What is the Tawny Owl's habitat?

Broadleaved and mixed woodland is its favourite, but it also uses conifer plantations, parks, cemeteries, farmland with plenty of trees and large gardens. It avoids open treeless country and high uplands.

Where can you find Tawny Owls in Britain and Ireland?

Almost everywhere in England, Wales and Scotland where there are enough trees. It is absent from Ireland, and it is thought to be reluctant to cross wide stretches of water.

Do Tawny Owls live in towns?

Yes. Parks, churchyards and leafy suburbs with mature trees can all support a pair, and town-dwelling Tawnies eat more birds than their woodland cousins.

Where do Tawny Owls roost, and where do they nest?

They roost in tree cavities, dense ivy, thick conifers or against a trunk. They nest mostly in holes in trees, including hollow broken stumps, but they will also use old crow or squirrel nests, nest boxes and sometimes buildings. They build no nest of their own and lay eggs on whatever debris is already there.

Do Tawny Owls roost together or flock?

Pairs often roost fairly close together, but otherwise they are solitary and do not flock. Family groups stay together until the young disperse in autumn.

How do you spot an active roost or nest?

Look for a scatter of pellets and white droppings ("whitewash") below a tree, or a gang of small birds noisily mobbing something in the branches. A nest hole may show feathers and prey remains, and calling at night will tell you a pair is nearby.

How does the Tawny Owl survive the winter?

It stays in its territory all year, knows every hunting perch, and that familiarity helps it get through when food is scarce. It doesn't migrate or hibernate, and winter is actually when it calls most as pairs prepare to breed.

How big is a Tawny Owl's territory?

In good woodland, a pair may need only around 12 hectares, but in mixed farmland or conifer forest, it can be several times that size. Where food is really scarce, a territory can stretch to more than 100 hectares.

What's the best time and place to see a Tawny Owl?

You are far more likely to hear one than see one. Listen at dusk or on still nights in autumn and late winter, then look in the daytime for a roosting bird pressed against a trunk or in ivy, using the mobbing of small birds as a clue. Some nest boxes now have cameras that give a wonderful view.

How do you attract a Tawny Owl to your land?

Give it trees with holes. Keep old and dead trees where safe, let ivy grow, keep woodland edges and rough grass for prey, and avoid using rodent poison. A well-sited nest box can then provide the nesting cavity if natural ones are scarce.

How do you make a nest box attractive?

Fix it high on the main trunk of a tree in woodland or a well-wooded garden, with a clear flight path and nearby branches so the young can climb out. Face the entrance away from the prevailing wind, put it up by late summer or early autumn, and add a layer of wood shavings for the eggs.

How big should a Tawny Owl nest box be?

Bigger than a typical bird box, roughly like a large cavity, with an internal space about 30 cm across in each direction as a workable guide. The exact dimensions are not critical as long as the female can get in and out comfortably and there's room for chicks.

How big should the entrance hole be?

Around 15 cm across is a standard size, although some designs use bigger openings. It has to be roomy enough for a large, heavy female to pass through easily.

What are the design considerations for a nest box?

Choose sturdy materials and a weatherproof roof, with drainage holes in the floor. Boxes come in upright versions fixed to a trunk, angled ones fixed under a branch, and chimney styles tilted slightly from the horizontal. Use nails that are safe if the tree is later cut, and leave the inside untreated.

How high should you put a nest box up?

As high as you can safely manage. About 5–8 m is ideal, with 2.5–3 m as a sensible minimum. Chicks that leave a higher nest are less likely to be taken by predators.

Do you need multiple nest boxes in the same area?

Not really. Tawny Owls defend a territory, so one box per territory is the usual aim. In a large wood, several boxes spaced well apart can serve different pairs.

How long does it take for a new nest box to be used?

Sometimes within a year, but it can take much longer. There are records of a box being taken up only after many years, so patience is needed.

Will a Tawny Owl use a nest box in a garden?

Yes, if the garden is large and well wooded with mature trees and neighbouring woodland. A small garden without suitable trees or hunting ground is unlikely to attract them.

Do nest boxes need cleaning?

Only occasionally. Late autumn is the best time, before the breeding season, to check the box is empty, remove old debris and add fresh shavings. Wear gloves and a dust mask, and take care when working at height.

Are Tawny Owls good for farmers and foresters?

They help a little by eating mice and voles, but they are unlikely to control pests on their own. Their value lies in being part of a healthy, balanced woodland and farmland ecosystem.

Can you keep a Tawny Owl as a pet?

No. Wild Tawny Owls are protected, and taking one from the wild is illegal. They also need a huge aviary and specialist care, so it is far better to help wild owls by protecting trees and habitat.

Why have Tawny Owl numbers fallen?

The causes aren't fully understood. Loss of old trees with nest holes, changes in woodland management, roadkill, rodent poison, and competition for nest sites may all play a part. Because owls are hard to survey, spotting a real trend is difficult.

Are roads dangerous for Tawny Owls?

Yes. Owls hunting or dispersing near woods and hedges cross roads at low height and collisions are a major cause of death, especially for young birds looking for a territory in autumn.

How big is the Tawny Owl population?

The BTO estimates roughly 50,000 breeding pairs in the UK, but as a nocturnal species it is hard to count, so estimates vary. It remains our most numerous and widespread owl.

Is the Tawny Owl a rare bird?

No, it is common and widespread. However, it has been on the Amber list of conservation concern since 2015 due to concerns about a possible long-term decline.

Are Tawny Owls a protected species?

Yes. All wild birds and their active nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The Tawny Owl is not on Schedule 1, which covers rarer birds, but it is still an offence to kill, injure or take a Tawny Owl, or to damage or destroy an active nest.

Why are some Tawny Owls ringed?

Rings carry unique numbers that allow trained, licensed ringers to track survival, lifespan, and movement. Ringing shows that Tawny Owls can live for over 20 years and often remain in the same territory for life. Found rings can be reported to the BTO.

Can you go near a Tawny Owl nest?

It's best not to. Tawny Owls are sensitive to disturbance when laying and incubating, and a parent guarding chicks can attack, sometimes causing serious injuries. Nest checks should be left to trained nest recorders, who wear head and eye protection.

Can I put a camera in a nest box?

It can be done, but with care. Set it up outside the breeding season or with an experienced person, and avoid any disturbance from late winter until the chicks are well grown. Once the box is occupied, keep visits to a minimum.

Is it okay to photograph a Tawny Owl nest?

Not if it means getting close or disturbing the birds. Watch from a distance, never use flash or played-back calls to lure them, and don't publish exact nest locations.

What should I do if Tawny Owls use a tree I need to work on?

Check for nest holes before any tree work and avoid felling or trimming in the breeding season, which runs from late winter to summer. If you find an owl in residence, get advice from an ecologist before doing anything, and remember that old hollow trees are valuable, so keep them if you safely can.

How do I report a Tawny Owl sighting or nest?

Share records with a local bird or wildlife group, or through BTO recording schemes such as BirdTrack, and keep exact nest locations private. If you find a ringed bird, report the ring number to the BTO.

How can I get involved in helping or monitoring Tawny Owls?

Join a local bird group, take part in BTO owl surveys and nest recording, put up a nest box and protect mature trees on your land. Nest inspections and ringing must be done by trained people, but there are many other ways to help.