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ForestCavity nestLarge · 472 g
What the Tawny Owl sounds like
ID tip
The tawny owl is a robust bird, 37–46 cm (15–18 in) in length, with an 81–105 cm (32–41 in) wingspan. Weight can range from 385 to 800 g (0.849 to 1.764 lb). Its large rounded head lacks ear tufts, and the facial disc surrounding the dark brown eyes is usually rather plain. The nominate race has two morphs which differ in their plumage colour, one form having rufous brown upperparts and the other greyish brown, although intermediates also occur. The underparts of both morphs are whitish and streaked with brown. Feathers are moulted gradually between June and December.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Tawny Owl
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is May, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Tawny Owl
The map shades 58 countries with regular records, and 2 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
About the Tawny Owl
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.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Barred OwlStrix variaThe barred owl is considered somewhat subdued and drab in coloration compared to the sometimes rich coloring of other sympatric owls.
Ural OwlStrix uralensisLike most Strix species, it has a broad, rounded head with a correspondingly round facial disc, barring a tiny V-shaped indentation.
Mottled OwlStrix virgataThe mottled owl is a medium-sized owl with adults reaching 280 to 355 mm (11 to 14 in) in length.
Side by side: Barred Owl vs Tawny Owl · Tawny Owl vs Ural Owl · Mottled Owl vs Tawny Owl
Watch the Tawny Owl on live cams
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