Strix aluco

Interesting facts: The nocturnal tawny owl is a mid-sized owl, which is very common throughout Europe. It is a cavity-nesting bird, which not only breeds in tree hollows and rock crevices, but also in lofts. The bird can take prey up to half its own body weight. These are not only mice but also birds, rabbits and squirrels. Tawny owl pairs stay in their territory and with their partner life-long. The male provides the female with feed straight after she has laid the eggs. Films like to imitate the haunting voice of the male’s territorial call during the night: huu-huhuhu-huu.

Characteristics: Large round head, large eyes, rust-brown to grey-brown bark-like plumage

Body length: Longer than 30 cm (longer than a blackbird)

Distribution: Urban areas, forests, parks