Tawny Owl
[ Strix aluco ]
Description
Anatomy: A medium-sized nocturnal bird of prey with a compact body, a rounded head without ear tufts, and large, forward-facing eyes. Its broad wings enable silent flight; it has highly developed hearing for locating prey.
Beak: Short, sturdy and curved, suited to tearing prey apart; sharp talons for seizing and holding it.
Plumage: Dense and soft, greyish-brown or reddish-brown with dark streaks, providing camouflage and thermal insulation.
Habitat /
Habits
Habitat: It prefers environments where woods and open spaces alternate. The tawny owl is known to adapt to urban environments, where it can nest in gardens or old buildings.
Habits: nocturnal and crepuscular, during the day it stays on sheltered perches: cavities of rocks, ruins or trees.
Reproduction
Species: Monogamous
Sexual maturity: 2 years
Mating season: February-March
Eggs hatching period: 28 – 32 days
Births: April-May
Number of eggs: 2 – 4
Diet
Carnivorous Mammals:
mice, squirrels.
Other animals: small birds,
amphibians, reptiles and insects.
