The Tawny Owl (Strix aluco), called Waldkauz in German, is a well-known owl species across Europe and Asia. Various cultures, around the world, hold this fascinating icon of wisdom and mystery in high esteem because of its unique round-headed shape with over-sized heads due to their prominent ear tufts make them look wise — plus they have piercing yellow eyes.
A Nocturnal Hunter
Tawny Owl — Well Equipped Nocturnal Hunter The Tawny Owl is able to deal with the challenges that accompany hunting in low light. It has big night vision eyes that face forward to seek for preys even in darkest nights. Furthermore, its distinctive feathers enable it to fly silently and this way shock the prey without warning them of being nearby.
Tawny Owl preys mainly on small mammals like rodents and shrews. It is, however a bird of prey — known to attack birds as well as insects and amphibians. This flexibility in prey type is likely to promote a wide distribution of this predator.
A Solitary Existence
Tawny Owls are not at their sociable, only…mate! They too are very territorial and will fight over their breeding range. The size of these territories depends on the available food and nesting areas.
Nesting of the Tawny Owl are various. These are frequently a hole in the tree cavities, old nests of other birds or perch even on record buildings like nest boxes and textiles. The female incubates and mantains the eggs until hatching, whilst the male supplies food for her and contributes with feeding in order to raise up their offspring.
A Symbol of Wisdom
In other cultures their status revolves around wisdom, esoteric knowledge and intuition in general. The tawny owl, that wise and mysterious bird whose silent nocturnal flights instil awe in us is no different. In much folklore and literature, the owl is portrayed as a wise creature who can pierce through layers of deception all the way to true knowledge an insight.
Conservation Status
The Tawny Owl is a widespread species, but there are still several threats that pose challenges to their populations. Deforestation and urbanization are very much responsible for habitat loss. Moreover, owls and their preys are harmed when pesticides or other pollutants are used. They also are at risk of collisions with vehicles, especially where the roads traverse through dense forests.
Conservation efforts are in place to save the Tawny Owl as well other owl species. When these management tools are employed, it can help to prevent the loss of local populations from occurring within our region through reducing habitat degradation and fragmentation in heavily developed and agricultural landscapes. If you know more about the owls then only we can realise their ecological perspectives and challenges from which our concerns menace extinction.