Tawny owls are the UK's commonest owl but face welfare pressures from road mortality, territorial competition and loss of mature woodland with suitable nest sites.
First-winter tawny owls dispersing to find territories have mortality rates approaching 80%, primarily from starvation and road mortality. Habitats with insufficient prey density cannot support territorial adults at densities needed for population stability. Loss of mature trees with natural cavities reduces nest site availability, forcing birds into less suitable nest boxes or failing to breed at all. Road mortality is structurally difficult to address but can be locally reduced through wildlife warning signs at known crossing points.