Tawny owl (Strix aluco) camouflaged in a tree hollow. Tawny owls inhabit open woodlands with large trees, and hunt rodents such as mice and voles. They are nocturnal birds that locate their prey by hearing. It is this owl that has the hooting call most commonly associated with owls. The tawny owl is found throughout Europe and in parts of Asia. Photographed in the UK.