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Tawny Owl (Family Strigidae, Strix aluco) This medium sized, round owl lives in the woods and open areas with large trees for perching. Although just over a foot tall, they can also be fierce: a tawny once attacked an unfortunate photographer when the bird decided he was too close, causing him to lose an eye! Their call is the famous "to-Wit, to-Woo." With the loss of much of their rural habitat, tawny owls are moving into cities and suburbs. Their hunting techniques have changed with their new environment. One new technique involves landing on a branch and then slowly walking sideways along the limb until it is next to a sleeping songbird. One quick snatch, and the owl has a meal!