The tawny owl is widespread throughout Britain, although apparently absent from Ireland. It is present in much of Western Europe except Northern Scandinavia and is also referred to as the woodland owl or brown owl. It can vary in colour between a rufus phase and a grey phase. Related species in Europe include the Ural Owl (Strix uralensis), and the Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa).

Despite the fact that it is nocturnal and therefore more often heard than seen, the hooting call of the tawny owl actually makes it one of the most familiar species of British birds. They also regularly produce a ‘ke-wick’ call between individuals.

Preferring an open deciduous woodland habitat they have adapted well to commercial conifer plantations, especially where nest boxes/barrels have been provided. They are a very adaptable species and can also be found in many town parks and gardens throughout the UK. Nest sites vary from holes in trees, old corvid nests, nest-boxes, and even on the ground.

Prey species are varied and include mice, voles, small birds, frogs, worms and beetles, and they have even been know to take small fish from garden ponds. Some individual owls will specialise in particular prey, e.g. those breeding in conifer plantations may concentrate on frogs.

The female does most of the incubation of the 2 to 5 eggs, which starts from the first egg laid and lasts approx. 28 to 31 days. Fledging takes about 4 to 5 weeks. The owlets remain fairly dependant on the adults for a further 2 to 3 months.

Keith Kirk

References: Barclay and Kirk (unpublished).

Tawny Owl chicks

Delivering a worm to the nest
Copyright © Ian Todd