Friday 17 May
Tawny owl (Strix aluco)
LEASTCONCERN
Top facts
- The characteristic ‘twit-twooo’ of the tawny owl is actually a courtship duet between male and female.
- Male and female tawny owl pairs often stay together for life.
Tawny owl fact file
- Description
- Biology
- Range
- Habitat
- Status
- Threats
- Conservation
- Find out more
- Glossary
- References
- Print factsheet
Tawny owl description
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Strix (1) |
The tawny owl (Strix aluco) is the most common and widespread British owl (3). It is most often heard than seen; it produces a variety of vocalisations, including the familiar 'ke-wick' contact calls (6). It has a compact body and a large rounded head, and varies in colour from greyish to reddish brown with black and white streaks (2). The sexes are similar in appearance (2).
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Related species
Tawny owl biology
Tawny owls feed mainly on small mammals such as voles, as well as insects. They occupy a favourite perch, dropping onto prey that passes by; inedible remains such as fur and bones in the form of 'owl pellets' gather below these perches (3).
Pairs begin to form territories in the autumn; this involves much hooting and calling, and males occasionally clap their wings together in a form of display (3). Nesting usually takes place in holes in hollow trees, although abandoned crow nests may be used (3). In March or early April, between two and four white eggs are laid. These are incubated by the female for up to 30 days. The male takes charge of feeding the young, who fledge after 32 to 37 days (3).
TopTawny owl range
The tawny owl is widespread and numerous throughout Britain, but becomes scarce in north Scotland (7). It occurs across the Palaearctic from Spain to China, reaching as far south as North Africa (3).
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Species with a similar range
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You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway. |
Tawny owl habitat
Typically occurs in broad-leaved or mixed woodland, but will also inhabit trees in hedgerows, parkland, churchyards, farmland, and coniferous forests (3). In winter it may take shelter in disused buildings and rock cavities (7).
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Species found in a similar habitat
Tawny owl status
The tawny owl is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List (1). It is common and widespread (3). Protected at all times under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (4). Included in the Birds of Conservation Concern Green List (low conservation concern) (5).
Tawny owl threats
The British population of the tawny owl is not currently threatened.
TopTawny owl conservation
Specific conservation action has not been targeted at the tawny owl.
|
View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. |
|
|
There may be further information about this species available via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway. |
Find out more
For more information on the tawny owl:
-
RSPB:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/t/tawnyowl/index.aspx -
BBC Wildlife Finder:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/species/Tawny_Owl
For more information on the tawny owl and other bird species:
-
BirdLife International:
http://www.birdlife.org
Authentication
Information authenticated by the RSPB:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/
Glossary
- Incubate
- To keep eggs warm so that development is possible.
- Palaearctic region
- The region that includes Europe, the part of Asia to the north of the Himalayan-Tibetan barrier, North Africa and most of Arabia.
- Territory
- An area occupied and defended by an animal, a pair of animals or a colony.
References
-
IUCN Red List (March, 2011)
http://www.iucnredlist.org/ - Mullarney, K., Svensson, L., Zetterstrom, D., & Grant, P.J. (1999) Collins Bird Guide. HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, London.
- Gooders, J. (1982) Collins British Birds. William Collins Sons and Co Ltd, London.
- RSPB (2003) Pers. comm.
-
RSPB (2003) The population status of birds in the UK:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/5_20625.pdf - Greenoak, F. (1979) All the birds of the air. Book Club Associates, London.
- Lack, P. (1986) The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland. T. & A. D. Poyser Ltd, Calton.
More »Related species
This species is featured in:
This species is featured in the Mediterranean Basin eco-region
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Tawny owl in flight
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