Tawny Owl (36–40cm, 14–16in)

The Tawny Owl, a common sight (or rather, sound) across Europe, is a medium-sized, plump bird with a large head and a surprisingly stocky build despite its long body. Primarily active at night, these elusive creatures are more likely to be heard than seen. Their complex plumage ranges from reddish-brown to grey-brown, though the reddish coloration dominates in Britain.

Listen for their haunting calls that pierce the night. The familiar "too-wit, too-woo" is actually closer to a drawn-out "oo-ooo-hooo." You might also hear their sharp "kee-wick" call. While sightings are rare during the day, you might catch a glimpse at dusk or dawn, perhaps perched on a familiar roost tree, or momentarily illuminated by headlights on a roadside sign.

The Tawny Owl's large, untufted head boasts a striking reddish-brown mask around its eyes and cheeks. Two unique white markings near the bill, one shaped like a "c" and the other its reverse, add a touch of character. The crown is a rich brown adorned with darker streaks and two white lines that extend to the back of the neck. The rest of the head fades to a tawny brown.

This master of disguise is cloaked in a warm brown coat on its upperparts, intricately patterned with black markings – vermiculations, bars, fringes, and edges. The wings flash bold white markings on the shoulders and coverts, while the outermost feathers are a more subdued yellowy-brown. The tail is finely barred, adding another layer of camouflage.

The underparts tell a different story. Here, a warm brown wash softens the breast and flanks, contrasting sharply with the bold, blackish notches that run from the chest to the underside of the tail. The large, black eyes pierce the night, while the tiny, silvery bill and feathered feet complete this magnificent predator's portrait.

Taking flight, the Tawny Owl transforms into a silent hunter. Its rounded wings and squarish tail create a distinctive silhouette against the night sky. The dark brown upperparts contrast sharply with the pale underbelly, a masterstroke of countershading for camouflage. Look for the striking contrast between the black eyes and dark crown against the pale face. In motion, the rows of white spots on the wings and the barred pattern on the tail become fleeting glimpses of identification. Don't forget to check for the barred underwing, a pattern of black and white bars on the flight feathers that fades to a whiter forewing with darker smudges.

Britain boasts a rare Tawny Owl variation – the Grey morph. Unlike its more common reddish-brown counterpart, the Grey Tawny Owl is cloaked in cool, ashy-grey tones. This ghostly coloration replaces all the rich brown hues, creating a truly unique appearance. Even the breast lacks the warm wash, displaying a stark contrast of black and greyish-white. Interestingly, the bare parts – eyes, bill, and feet – remain identical to the familiar "red" Tawny Owl.

Tawny Owl chicks are adorable balls of fluff with wide, black eyes that seem impossibly large for their downy bodies. This wide-eyed expression gives them an irresistible, inquisitive look, hinting at their curious nature.