The tawny owl is one of the most common owls in Britain, with a population of about 20,000 breeding pairs. It is able to live in a wide variety of habitats. Despite this,
because it is nocturnal, it is rarely seen. Most often, we only know of its presence by the familiar deep ‘tu-woo’ or ‘kee-wick’ most commonly heard about two hours after sunset in late autumn or winter.
The tawny owl is 37 - 39cm long, with a rounded head, body and wings. It has large brown eyes, with its face surrounded by a ring of dark feathers. Its upper parts are usually reddish
brown, with a line of dark and light patches on its wings and crown of the head. The under parts are yellowish-beige and often streaked.
The tawny owl lives in woodlands, wooded farmland and parkland. It can also be found in towns where there are large trees, such as in parks and churchyards. Due to it being nocturnal and it having a well camoufl aged brown body, it is very difficult to spot. Sometimes it can be seen in daylight, but only when it is disturbed. If this does happen, its presence
is often revealed by the mob of small birds which are harassing it.
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