The tawny owl is the most numerous of the owls which breed in the British Isles although they are mainly found in southern and eastern England. It is about 38 cm (15 inches) long and is often called the "brown owl" on account of its coloration.
These birds of prey are most often heard late in the late autumn when they establish their territories with the characteristic "to-whit-to-woo". The calls are actually in two parts and made by two birds, one calls the familiar "to-whit-to-woo" and its mate answers with a "kwick-kwick". Both birds make both calls but never together.
Tawny owls usually breed in hollow trees although they will utilise and old barrel which is erected for them as a nest box.
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Tawny owls are monogomous (mate for life) and between two and four white eggs are laid as early as March. The young are fledged eight or nine weks after the eggs were laid.
In the countryside these owls prey on small mammals such as mice, voles and shrews. In towns and cities, they take small birds such as sparrows.
