Tawny Owl
Strix aluco
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Strigiformes · Strigidae
About
The tawny owl, also called the brown owl, is a stocky, medium-sized owl in the family Strigidae. It is commonly found in woodlands across Europe, as well as western Siberia, and has seven recognized subspecies. The tawny owl's underparts are pale with dark streaks, whilst its upper body may be either brown or grey. The tawny owl typically makes its nest in a tree hole where it can protect its eggs and young against potential predators. It is non-migratory and highly territorial: as a result, when young birds grow up and leave the parental nest, if they cannot find a vacant territory to claim as their own, they will often starve.
Fun Fact
Tawny owls are so fiercely territorial that they have been known to attack humans who approach their nests — the famous British naturalist Eric Hosking lost an eye to a tawny owl.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Deciduous and mixed woodlands
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
5-10 years
Threats
- Habitat Fragmentation
- Wildfire