Tawny Owl

Strix aluco

The tawny owl is an owl the size of a pigeon. It has a rounded body and head, with a ring of dark feathers around its face surrounding the dark eyes.

It is mainly reddish brown above and paler underneath. It is a widespread breeding species in England, Wales and Scotland but not found in Ireland. Birds are mainly residents with established pairs probably never leaving their territories. Young birds disperse from breeding grounds in autumn.

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Discover more about the Tawny Owl

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When to see

Nocturnal animal, so best discovered at night.

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Where to see

Mainly nocturnal, found in woodlands and more often heard than seen. Has the classic towit twoo call with the female giving the towit and the male responding with twoo.

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Did you know?

Has the classic towit twoo call with the female giving the towit and the male responding with twoo.

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Related species

Barn Owl Short-Eared Owl

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

Nocturnal animal, so best discovered at night.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Mainly nocturnal, found in woodlands and more often heard than seen. Has the classic towit twoo call with the female giving the towit and the male responding with twoo.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Has the classic towit twoo call with the female giving the towit and the male responding with twoo.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Barn Owl Short-Eared Owl

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

Nocturnal animal, so best discovered at night.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

Mainly nocturnal, found in woodlands and more often heard than seen. Has the classic towit twoo call with the female giving the towit and the male responding with twoo.

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

Has the classic towit twoo call with the female giving the towit and the male responding with twoo.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Barn Owl Short-Eared Owl