The characeristic sound 'twit-twoo' associated with owls is actually the mating calls between two Tawny Owls. The female sounds the 'twit' while the male follows with 'twoo'
The Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) has a rounded body and head, with a ring of dark feathers around its face surrounding their dark eyes. It is mainly reddish brown above and paler underneath. They are roughly the size of a pigeon.
They are strictly nocturnal and rarely seen during the day, unless disturbed.
Because they don't like flying over water, they are absent from many of our islands, e.g Isle of Man and Isle of Wight.
Tawny Owls are famous for the fierce defence of their young - bird ringers usually wear crash helmets to protect themselves when ringing baby Tawny Owls!
