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.
Key ID Features:
Medium sized owl with short rounded wings and large facial disc housing black eyes.
Cryptically patterned in reddish brown with pale streaks and splotches.
Rarely seen during the day but sometimes given away by being mobbed by small birds when at roost.
The haunting sonorous hoot followed by a gap and a sequence of quavering hoots is a familiar urban sound but it has a range of calls including a ke-wik contact call.
It's quick stiff wing beats and generally direct flight is quite different from the wavering flight of our other medium sized owls.
Scientific name: Strix aluco
Family: Owls (Strigidae)
Where to see them
The tawny owl is nocturnal so it is often heard calling at night, but much less often seen. In the daytime, you may see one only if you disturb it inadvertently from its roost site in woodland up against a tree trunk or among ivy. Look for pellets below roosting places.
Seen in UK:
All year round.
What they eat
Small mammals and rodents, small birds, frogs, fish, insects and worms.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
