Tawny Wood Owl (Pyrenees' Biodiversity)

Tawny Wood Owl

Strix aluco

Summary ⁷

The Tawny Owl or Brown Owl (Strix aluco) is a stocky, medium-sized owl commonly found in woodlands across much of Eurasia. Its underparts are pale with dark streaks, and the upperparts are either brown or grey. Several of the eleven recognised subspecies have both variants. The nest is typically in a tree hole where it can protect its eggs and young against potential predators. This owl is non-migratory and highly territorial. Many young birds starve if...

Biology ⁸

Tawny owls feed mainly on small mammals such as voles, as well as insects. They occupy a favourite perch, dropping onto prey that passes by; inedible remains such as fur and bones in the form of 'owl pellets' gather below these perches (3). Pairs begin to form territories in the autumn; this involves much hooting and calling, and males occasionally clap their wings together in a form of display (3). Nesting usually takes place in holes in hollow trees, although abandoned crow nests may be used (3). In March or early April, between 2 and 4 white eggs are laid. These are incubated by the female for up to 30 days. The male takes charge of feeding the young, who fledge after 32-37 days (3).

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