676 Featured Specimen

Tawny owl

Strix aluco

A round-headed medium owl of European and western Asian woods, familiar for its low night calls.

Range

Habitat range map

Native range Occasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Lives in deciduous and mixed woodland, old parks, gardens, cemeteries, and mountain forests with mature cavity trees.

The rounded head lacks ear tufts, and plumage may be brown or gray. Pale underparts carry dark streaking.

Nocturnal hunters drop from perches toward prey located by sound. Pairs often hold the same territory for years.

Rodents, small birds, frogs, insects, and small mammals are eaten, with birds sometimes more important in towns.

Tree cavities, building holes, old nests, and nest boxes are used. Young may leave the nest for nearby branches before fledging.

Its broad range and stable populations depend locally on mature trees and quieter wooded night habitat.