Tawny Owl
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Strix, Species: Strix aluco · Strigidae (Typical Owls) · Contour / Semi-plume (Body Feather)
Species
Strix aluco
Feather Type
Contour / Semi-plume (Body Feather)
Family
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Shape
Broadly ovate and symmetrical with a rounded tip and a soft, fringed margin typical of owl plumage.
Size
Approximately 4 to 6 centimeters in length. This is consistent with flank or belly contour feathers of an adult Tawny Owl.
Rarity
Common. It is the most widespread and numerous owl species in Great Britain.
Color & Pattern
Base color is creamy-white to pale buff with three distinct, dark cocoa-brown horizontal bars (banding). The bars are slightly wavy and concentrated toward the distal end.
Barb Structure
The lower two-thirds are plumulaceous (downy/fluffy), while the tip is pennaceous but extremely soft. It shows a fine velvet-like surface (frizz) to reduce noise.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft, silky, and 'velvety' to the touch. It has a matte appearance with no iridescence, specialized for silent flight and camouflage.
Description
This feather belongs to the Tawny Owl, a stocky, medium-sized owl known for its iconic 'too-wit too-woo' call. The bird has a large rounded head without ear tufts and dark eyes. Its plumage is a mottled mix of reddish-brown or grey-brown, white, and buff, mimicking tree bark for daytime concealment.
Key Features
Distinctive dark brown banding on a cream background, heavily downy base, and a velvety 'hush' texture unique to owls.
Habitat
Found in established broadleaf and mixed woodlands, parks, large gardens, and sometimes urban areas with mature trees.
Geographic Range
Common resident throughout England and most of Europe and Western Asia. They are strictly non-migratory and defend permanent territories.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The feather shows some minor separation of the barbs (venting) and the downy base is slightly matted, suggesting it may have been molted some time ago.
Interesting Facts
Tawny Owls have asymmetrical ear openings under their feathers, which allow them to pinpoint the exact location of a scurrying vole in total darkness.
Ecological Role
Top-tier nocturnal predator. They control rodent populations including wood mice and voles. They are excellent biological indicators of woodland health.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl (feathers are usually longer and more streaked), Little Owl (much smaller and more spotted), Barn Owl (more orange/gold with fine spotting rather than bold bars).
Notes
England