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Tawny Owl (Brown Owl)
Primary or Secondary Flight Feather (Remige)

Tawny Owl (Brown Owl)

Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Strix, Species: S. aluco

Family: Strigidae (Typical Owls)

Shape
Symmetrical to slightly asymmetrical vane, rounded tip, with velvety fringes along the leading edge characteristic of owls
Size
Approximately 7 to 9 inches long, consistent with a medium-sized owl flight feather, matching the typical wing structure of Strix aluco
Rarity
Common and widespread throughout its natural geographic range
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Description

The Tawny Owl is a stocky, medium-sized nocturnal woodland owl with a rounded head, no ear tufts, and dark eyes. It is known for its haunting hooting calls and stealthy predatory habits, hunting small mammals and birds primarily from perches.

Colour & Pattern

Rich warm brown and tawny background with striking irregular white and dark brown transverse bars or chevrons across both vanes

Barb Structure

Pennaceous vane with specialized velvety, comb-like micro-structures on the barbules that dampen sound for silent flight; intact but showing minor wear along the edges

Texture & Surface

Soft, velvety texture with a matte finish designed for silent flight, lacking the glossy stiffness found in diurnal raptors

Key Features

Distinctive barred pattern of warm brown and white chevron markings coupled with the soft, velvety texture characteristic of nocturnal raptors

Habitat

Woodlands, deciduous and mixed forests, parks, and large gardens across temperate regions

Geographic Range

Widespread throughout Europe, extending eastward across the Palearctic to western Siberia and parts of Central Asia

Ecological Role

Apex nocturnal predator acting as a key controller of rodent and small mammal populations within forest ecosystems

Similar Species

Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) and Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus), distinguished by sharper barring and different habitat preferences

Interesting Facts

Tawny Owls have asymmetrical ear openings hidden beneath their facial discs, allowing them to pinpoint the exact location of prey in total darkness through sound alone

Condition Notes

Good condition with minor fraying along the upper vane edges, showing natural wear from use

Tawny Owl (Brown Owl) | Feather Identifier