Tawny Owl
Strix aluco
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Tawny Owl produces Britain's most recognised wildlife sound — the 'too-whit too-whoo'. Actually, this classic call is a duet: the 'kee-wick' contact call and the hooting territorial call of different individuals responding to each other. The Formby pinewoods are home to Tawny Owls and they can be heard on any still autumn or winter night. Walking the pinewood paths after dark in September — when new birds are establishing territories — is the best time to hear them calling.
At a Glance
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Habitat | Coniferous woodland · Mixed woodland · Mature gardens |
| Diet | Small mammals (voles, mice, shrews), small birds, earthworms |
| UK population | Around 50,000 pairs; amber-listed due to recent decline |
| Sefton Coast | Resident in the Formby pinewoods and surrounding mature trees; heard regularly |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Formby pinewoods and any mature woodland on the Sefton Coast. Heard far more often than seen.
Identification
Large, round-headed owl. Rich brown, heavily streaked. No ear tufts. Dark eyes (all owls with dark eyes are Tawnies, all with yellow/orange are other species). Round facial disc.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Visit the Formby pinewoods at dusk in October. Listen for the territorial hooting from the trees. Tawny Owls are strictly nocturnal — daytime sightings are roosting birds in tree holes, usually found by following mobbing Chaffinches and Blackbirds.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Tawny Owl really say 'too-whit too-whoo'?
Not exactly — the 'too-whit too-whoo' is actually two birds communicating. The 'kee-wick' is a contact call, usually from a female. The 'hoo-hoo-hoo-oo' is the territorial hoot, usually from a male. When you hear both in quick succession it sounds like one bird making the iconic call. Each individual only makes one of the calls.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.