Tawny Owl

1 day ago

Spotted

The Tawny Owl is a medium-sized, stocky owl with dark eyes, widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is a highly territorial and vocal nocturnal hunter.

Where to spot

Woodlands, forests, parks, and gardens, often in suburban and urban areas across Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

How to spot

Listen for its characteristic 'kewick' contact call and the hooting 'too-whit, too-whoo' territorial call at night. During the day, they are often perfectly camouflaged against tree trunks or in dense foliage. Listen for mobbing by smaller birds, which can indicate its hidden presence.

When to spot

Strictly nocturnal. Most easily detected by its well-known calls at night, particularly at dusk and dawn. Very difficult to spot during the day unless roosting conspicuously.

Where to spot

Woodlands, forests, parks, and gardens, often in suburban and urban areas across Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

How to spot

When to spot

Strictly nocturnal. Most easily detected by its well-known calls at night, particularly at dusk and dawn. Very difficult to spot during the day unless roosting conspicuously.

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The Tawny Owl's classic 'too-whit, too-whoo' call is often misunderstood; it's typically a duet between a male and female, or sometimes a single male's territorial call.

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