Stryx aluco - Tawny Owl

Tawny owls are plentiful in Wales and are more a bird of woodland than of farm buildings. These nocturnal birds are responsible for the 'tu-whit... tu-whoo' calls that echo through the wooded valleys after dark.

The baby owls, called owlets, are grey downy creatures with big round faces and dark eyes like those of their parents. Some adults retain a slight greyish tinge; however, the majority of tawny owls are a rich chestnut brown with buff mottling.

Tawny owls are darker and slightly larger than barn owls. They are able to kill mice, rats and even small rabbits - and they love worms!

Normally these owls will lay three or four eggs in a nest most often in a hole in a tree. They are also known to make use of the nests of crows or other large birds and even squirrel dreys.

Top of page...