Barn Owl vs Tawny Owl
Tyto alba and Strix aluco
Comparison notes
Field marks and practical differences
The Barn Owl (Tyto alba) and Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) are both medium-sized UK owls but differ markedly in appearance and habitat. The Barn Owl is easily recognised by its pale, heart-shaped face and ghostly white underside in flight, often seen gliding low over open farmland and grassland. In contrast, the Tawny Owl has a rounded head with dark eyes and mottled brown plumage, favouring wooded areas and urban parks. Both species have similar wingspans, but the Tawny’s bulkier build and darker, more camouflaged colouring help distinguish it in forested settings. Field identification can be tricky at dusk when both owls are active, but the Barn Owl’s distinctive face shape and lighter colours stand out against the Tawny’s stockier silhouette and deeper hues. The Tawny Owl’s call is a familiar “hoot,” while the Barn Owl’s eerie screech is quite different. Observers should note habitat and flight style: Barn Owls hunt low over open fields, whereas Tawny Owls perch silently in trees, often remaining hidden during daylight.
Size stats
Compare species by wingspan and weight
- Body length
- 33 - 39 cm
- Wingspan
- 80 - 95 cm
- Weight
- 400 - 700 g
- Body length
- 37 - 43 cm
- Wingspan
- 81 - 96 cm
- Weight
- 400 - 630 g
Habitats
Where they live
Diet breakdown
What they eat
- Vertebrates90%
- Insects7%
- Other Invertebrates3%
- Vertebrates70%
- Insects20%
- Other Invertebrates10%
Species notes
Descriptions and photographer notes
Barn Owl
The Barn Owl is a pale, medium-sized bird with a distinctive heart-shaped face and dark eyes. Its upper body is a golden-buff colour with grey spots, while the underside can be anywhere from pure white to buff, depending on the type. When flying, it looks ghostly white underneath, with long, rounded wings and a light, gliding flight low over open land. It is common across most of Britain and Ireland but is not found in highland areas. The Barn Owl lives in many parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, making it one of the most widely found owls in the world. The Barn Owl prefers open areas such as farmland, grassland, marshes, and the edges of fields where small mammals are plentiful. It makes its nest in holes in farm buildings, hollow trees, or specially made nest boxes. It mainly hunts at dawn and dusk but can often be seen hunting during the day in winter.
Tawny Owl
The Tawny Owl is a sturdy, medium-sized woodland bird, usually measuring 37 to 39 cm in length. Its feathers range from rich reddish-brown to grey-brown, with heavy streaks and spots that help it blend in well with tree bark. It has a large, rounded head without ear tufts, and its face is pale grey-brown with clear dark rings around it. The eyes are large and completely dark. This owl is the most common across Britain and much of Europe, but it is not found in Ireland or northern Scotland. It is closely linked to mature broad-leaved and mixed woodlands, but it can also be seen in big parks, churchyards, and well-wooded gardens in towns and cities. The owl’s hooting call is a deep "hoo-hoo-hoo" followed by a fading "hooooo," which is one of the most familiar night-time sounds in Britain. Female owls reply with a sharp "kee-wick" sound. These birds are active only at night and rest during the day close to tree trunks, where they are hard to spot.