Tawny owl

Description:

The tawny owl is a robust bird, 37 to 46 cm in length, with an 81 to 105 cm wingspan. Weight can range from 385 to 800 g. Its large rounded head lacks ear tufts, and the facial disc surrounding the dark brown eyes is usually rather plain. The nominate race has two morphs which differ in their plumage color, one form having rufous brown upperparts and the other greyish brown, although intermediates also occur. The underparts of both morphs are whitish and streaked with brown. Feathers are moulted gradually between June and December. This species is sexually dimorphic; the female is much larger than the male, 5% longer and more than 25% heavier.

Habitat:

Tawny owls usually breed in broadleaved woodland and forests and open parklands although occasionally they inhabit coniferous forests. Though woodland is their preferred habitat, they are adaptable and have even taken up residence in cities such as London and Berlin where there are large wooded parks and gardens.

Notes:

Tawny owl caught on trail cam taking a bath at a forest pond in a broadleaved forest near Vierhouterbos, Veluwe, Holland. (sources:see reference)