Tips For Finding And Photographing The Tawny Owl

Appearance and habitat

The tawny owl is around 40 centimeters long and is one of the most commonly found owls in Europe. It has a bright rounded face with dark button-like eyes, a strongly curved yellow beak, and no ear tufts. With its white, brown and black marbled plumage, the tawny owl can camouflage itself wonderfully.

Contrary to popular beliefs, tawny owls are not only found in deep and dark forests. They enjoy forests, glades and fields as long as there are large supplies of food, adequate perches and old trees with appropriate holes to nest in.

However, tawny owls can show an amazing adaptability, they can nest in barns, nesting boxes, parks, cemeteries, castles and ruins if necessary. All they really need to nest is a safe cavity.

Breeding and hunting

The uncanny reputation that most people associate with owls is probably partly due to the male singing its melancholic "Hu-Hu-Huuuhuuuu" during the courtship. It takes place during autumn and winter. While it is true that tawny owl couples stay together forever, they spend the summer separately. After such a long time spent far from each other, a little romance is quite appropriate. The male lures the female to the nest and feeds it to show its hunting skills.

While the winter comes and passes, the female incubates the eggs and is protected and fed by the male. About a month after hatching, the young leave the nest. They stay on nearby branches where their parents will still take care of them for some time. Nutrient-rich preys are now particularly important but fortunately, tawny owls are talented hunters.

Owl wings are perfectly adapted to silent flight. Their feathers allow them to fly and hunt mice, rats, rabbits, moles and small birds while remaining absolutely silent. They can also occasionally catch amphibians, insects, and earthworms. Tawny owls hunt during dusk and at night. They rely on their ears, which are well hidden under the feathers and capture every little noise.

Although the tawny owl population is considered stable in most European countries, this is mainly due to their adaptability. It is still necessary to preserve their natural habitat and the old trees in which they can nest. They are also often victims of car traffic while chasing mice across the road.

Save 5% on top quality binoculars