Tawny Owl
General information
This owl is the most common owl in the UK. It is a medium size owl with no ear tufts. These owls make the classic ‘Twit-twoo’ calls that are commonly associated with owls. But what is not well known is that the call is actually a conversation, with one Tawny saying ‘Twitt’ the other replying ‘Twoo’! Tawny Owls hunt nocturnally across their range for small mammals, birds, frogs and insects.
Although mainly a woodland species, they have become adapted to living almost anywhere with trees. Their favourite place to nest is in tree cavities but when there are none to be found they will settle for other natural sites.The female may have up to 9 eggs which once hatched fledge at about 3 weeks but remain with their parents for 2 to 3 months.
Latin name - Strix aluco
Class - Aves
Order - Strigiformes
Family - Strigidae
IUCN Status - Least concern
Habitat - Semi open mixed and deciduous woodlands, gardens, parks
Distribution - Europe. NW Africa to Siberia, Asia Minor, Middle East to East China
Lifespan
4 years in the wild. 20 years in captivity
Threats
Environmental change and deforestation
Fun Fact
Young Tawny Owls are just balls of grey fluff with huge round eyes. Each year we take in young abandoned Tawnies and release them back into the wild when they are fully grown.
Our Residents
Our group (or parliament) of Tawny Owls can be found in the deer encounter and consist of 5 wild rescues with various health issues thus preventing their release back into the wild. One of these owls is affectionately called Cinders as he was discovered injured in a chimney!
Sign up to our newsletter
Join our mailing list in order to keep up to date with park news and special offers.