Tawny Owl (Strix aluco)

'Plop' was hatched in 2006. He was named after a baby owl in the book: 'The Owl who was afraid of the dark'. The first Owl Evening he was flown on, he was actually frightened! Now he used to evening/night flying.

'Plop' is the only resident Tawny Owl that we house at the centre, but throughout the year we have many Tawny Owls and other raptors brought into the centre for rehabilitation - click here for more details - however, these wild birds of prey are not on public display.

In the wild

The Tawny Owl is the most common species of owl in the UK and is the only species of owl that makes the well known "twit-twoo" hoot. 

Origin: Throughout Europe and parts of South Eastern Asia and Northern Africa.

Diet: Takes a wide variety of mammals, birds, frogs, reptiles and even fish; larger insects, earthworms, snails etc also form part of the diet. Largest mammal prey are rats and squirrels; largest birds are pigeons.

Habitat: Semi-open deciduous and mixed forest with clearings , parks, larger gardens with old trees and open landscape with wooded patches. Very adaptable species and is found in towns and cities where timbered gardens or tree-lined pavements are present.

The Tawny Owl is polymorphic: i.e. is found in different colour forms with grey, brown and rufous morphs, as well as intermediates between these. They are generally nocturnal, but sometimes active during daylight when they have young to feed.