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.
Region
Europe and western Siberia
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout most of Europe (absent from some islands and parts of far northern Scandinavia) and eastward into western Siberia. Prefers mature deciduous and mixed woodlands but also occupies parks, orchards, churchyards, and suburban gardens. Common along forest edges, riparian corridors, and patchy farmland with hedgerows. Nests primarily in tree cavities but also uses old buildings and nest boxes. Avoids vast treeless plains and the highest alpine zones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The tawny owl is famed for the classic duet often rendered as 'tu-whit, tu-whoo'—a combination of the female’s sharp 'ke-wick' and the male’s hoot. It is highly territorial and largely non-migratory, with juveniles facing high mortality while searching for vacant territories. Color morphs range from warm brown to grey, helping individuals blend into different woodland substrates. It adapts well to human-altered landscapes, including parks and gardens, where nest boxes are readily used.
Juvenile specimen of a tawny owl
![Field of view compared with a pigeon[image reference needed]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/52/Fieldofview-pigeon-owl.svg/480px-Fieldofview-pigeon-owl.svg.png)
Field of view compared with a pigeon[image reference needed]
![An owl's retina has a single fovea.[5]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7c/Owlretina.svg/640px-Owlretina.svg.png)
An owl's retina has a single fovea.[5]
Individual from France perched upon a human hand
Ancient deciduous woodland is a favoured habitat
Tawny owl hiding on a tree
Bank vole is a common prey
Grey individual, probably subspecies S. a. aluco
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with silent glides
Social Behavior
Typically forms long-term monogamous pairs that defend territories year-round. Nests in tree holes, often reusing sites for many seasons; also accepts nest boxes and cavities in buildings. Clutches are usually laid in late winter to early spring, with both adults aggressively defending the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The male gives a series of resonant hoots, often culminating in a drawn-out 'hoo-oo'. The female responds with a sharp 'ke-wick'; together these create the well-known 'tu-whit, tu-whoo' duet. Alarm and contact calls include harsh shrieks and yelps.
