Tawny Owl Diet

The tawny owl, or Strix aluco, is a species of owl native to many parts of Europe and some parts of Asia. Tawny owls are usually found in wooded areas, but they are also known to inhabit urban areas. The tawny owl, the most common bird of prey throughout the United Kingdom, eats a variety of small animals and insects.

  1. Feeding Habits

    • The tawny owl hunts at night. It has keen eyesight and hearing and, because of this, is able to locate its prey in the dark. The owl has soft feathers and wings that allow it to fly silently in order to sneak up on its prey undetected. It uses its sharp claws and beak to capture its prey. It swallows its prey in one piece and then regurgitates the bones afterward.

    Small Mammals

    • Tawny owls that live in wooded areas feed mostly on mice, shrews and voles. In urban environments, tawny owls are known to eat squirrels and rats.

    Other Birds

    • In wooded areas, tawny owls occasionally feed on small birds, though not as often as those that live in urbanized areas. In urban environments, tawny owls often feed mainly on birds such as starlings and sparrows.

    Insects

    • Tawny owls also feed on insects such as beetles and small invertebrates like earthworms. Though tawny owls usually hunt from the trees, swooping down to grab prey from the ground, when hunting earthworms, tawny owls walk along the ground.

    Frogs and Fish

    • In their natural habitats, tawny owls are known to eat frogs. In urban areas, tawny owls occasionally grab fish from garden ponds.