Tawny owl

LIVING HABITS

The tawny owl is the most common owl species in Europe, and is found only in the central and southern parts of Finland. Some sparse individuals have been found in Southern Lapland also. Tawny owls prefer broad-leaved and mixed forests as their habitat. Groves in the middle of cultivated land provide them with places to nest and rest during the day, and the surrounding fields and meadows offer a location teeming with voles for their nightly hunting trips. The tawny owl also preys on birds in addition to small rodents. They prefer large grounds around mansions, but also like parks in the cities. Tawny owls nest in hollow trees, however, gladly accepting nest boxes.

PROTECTION

The tawny owl, like our other owls, is a protected species on nature conservation areas.

ADAPTING TO WINTER

The tawny owl may suffer greatly from extreme cold, and the species is not found in the northern parts of Lapland. It is known, though, that the species living in our country, boasting a greyish colouring, bears the cold and scarce nutrition better than its counterpart with reddish-brown colouring living further down south.