tawny owl

The tawny owl (Strix aluco) is a common owl species found in Europe and northern Africa. It is related to the barred owl of America and is characterized by the absence of ear tufts. Its upper parts are reddish-brown with blackish markings, and its underparts are buffy with brown streaks and bars.1

Tawny owls are a type of wood owl, belonging to the genus Strix. These owls are found in woodlands and forests across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. They are known for their conspicuous facial disks but lack ear tufts. Their diet consists of insects, birds, and small mammals, particularly rodents and hares. The tawny owl, specifically, nests in broad-leaved woodlands but can also be found in cliffs, burrows, trees, and buildings in urban and agricultural areas. The name "hoot owl" is also applied to owls like the tawny owl that have a loud hooting call.23