What is a tawny owl, what sound does it make, where is it found and why is it endangered?
Here's what you need to know about the tawny owl
THE tawny owl is one of just six species of owl in the UK - and there are fears the stocky bird could be endangered.
As researchers call on the British public to listen out for its call once a week, here's what you need to know about the tawny owl.
What is a tawny owl and where is it found?
A tawny owl or a brown owl is a stocky medium sized owl found in woodlands, forests, parks and gardens across the UK.
While the underparts of the owl are pale with dark streaks, the upperparts are either brown or grey.
, tawny owls are strictly nocturnal and are rarely seen during the day unless they've been disturbed.
Because they don't like flying over water they are also absent from islands in the UK such as Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland.
The conservation status of the tawny owl recently changed from green to amber, signalling a growing concern for the species.
According to the , researchers say it is not essential that members of the public listen every single week and insist that all data will be useful - even in locations where an owl call cannot be heard as this indicates where the species is missing.
"You can even do it from the comfort of your bed. Anyone can take part, and the more people that do, the better picture scientists at BTO will have of our tawny owl," said BTO's Claire Boothby.
What other owls are native to the UK?
The tawny is one of six species of owl found in the UK.
The others are little owl, long-eared owl, barn owl and European eagle owl.
The status of the short-eared owl is also amber.
These birds unusually nest on the ground.
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