Tawny owl
Scientific name: Strix aluco
Tawny owls are the familiar brown owls of Britain’s woodlands, parks and gardens. They are known for their ‘too-wit too-woo’ song that can be heard at night-time.
Species information
Statistics
Length: 37-39cmWingspan: 99cm
Weight: 420-520g
Average lifespan: 4 years
Conservation status
Classified in the UK as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021).
When to see
January to DecemberAbout
Tawny owls are our biggest common owl, familiar in Britain’s woodland, parks and gardens. The‘too-wit too-woo’ call often referred to as being the song of the generic owl, is that of the tawny owl. But it isn’t the call of a single bird, but instead made by a male and female calling to each other.The female makes a ‘too-wit’ sound and the male answers with ‘too-woo’! These incredible creatures sit on their favourite perch on the lookout for small animals like voles and mice to eat. They nest during springtime in hollow trees, or sometimes choose to reuse an old crow’s nest!How to identify
The tawny owl is mottled reddish-brown, with a paler underside. It has a big, round head, rounded wings, large, dark eyes, and a dark ring around its face.In our area
Tawny owl have bred here but are mostly absent on the Isle of Man.