Tawny Owl

Strix aluco

Their ears are asymmetrical, positioned at different heights on their skull to help them triangulate the exact source of a sound in total darkness.

Scientific name

Strix aluco

Taxonomy

Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Strigiformes › Strigidae › Strix

IUCN Red List status

Least Concern

Population trend

stable

Biome

forest

Habitat

Broadleaf and mixed forests, mature parks, and large gardens with established trees.

Diet

Generalist carnivore; primarily small mammals like voles and mice, but also birds, frogs, and large insects.

Range

Europe, North Africa, Western Asia, Russia

Size

Wingspan of 81-96 cm; body length of 37-39 cm.

Lifespan

Typically 4-5 years in the wild, though some individuals have reached 18-20 years.

Active

nocturnal

Threats

Habitat loss due to removal of old-growth trees, secondary poisoning from rodenticides, and collisions with road traffic.

Safe to approach?

Generally harmless but highly defensive near nests in spring. Observe from at least 10 meters. If a chick is found on the ground, leave it be; the parents are likely watching. If pecked or scratched, wash the area with soap and water and seek medical advice for potential infection.

The tawny owl or brown owl ( Strix aluco ) is a stocky, medium-sized owl commonly found in woodlands across much of Eurasia. Its underparts are pale with dark streaks, and the upperparts are either brown or grey. Several of the eleven recognised subspecies have both variants. The nest is typically in a tree hole where it can protect its eggs and young against potential predators. This owl is non-migratory and highly territorial. Many young birds starve if...

Photo: caroline legg, CC-BY, via iNaturalist

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