EP35 Tawny Owl - Bird Song

The Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) is a medium-sized owl found in the forests and woodlands of Europe and parts of Asia. It has a distinctive appearance with a round head, large dark eyes, and feather tufts on its head that resemble "ears." Its plumage is mainly brown, with mottled and streaked patterns on the wings and chest, and a pale underside with dark stripes. Tawny Owls have a wingspan of approximately 95cm and can weigh up to 700g.
The Tawny Owl is a nocturnal bird, and its hunting behaviour reflects this. It hunts small mammals such as rodents, voles, and shrews, as well as birds, insects, and reptiles. Its primary hunting technique is to perch on a high branch and scan the area for prey using its exceptional hearing and vision. Once it spots its target, it swoops down silently and swiftly to catch it with its sharp talons.
The Tawny Owl's call is one of the most recognizable bird calls in Europe. It has a distinctive "hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo" sound, which is often described as sounding like "tu-whit tu-whoo." The male and female both call, but the female's call is slightly higher pitched than the male's. In addition to this, Tawny Owls have a variety of other vocalizations, including a loud, screeching alarm call and a softer, more melodious song.
Overall, the Tawny Owl is a fascinating and iconic bird with a distinctive appearance, hunting behaviour, and vocalizations. Its role in controlling rodent populations and maintaining healthy forest ecosystems makes it an important species to protect and conserve.