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Tawny Owl in Old Forests
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The Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) is a secretive and vital resident of the ancient forests of Ordino, embodying the mysterious side of Andorra's nocturnal wildlife. Preferring dense woodlands characterized by old-growth pines and firs, these owls rely on natural tree cavities for nesting and daytime roosting. Their haunting 'hoo-hoo' call is a staple of the Ordino-Arcalís landscape at night, used by males to establish territory and attract mates during the late winter and spring. Tawny owls are exceptional hunters, possessing highly developed hearing and specialized feathers that allow for near-silent flight, enabling them to surprise prey such as rodents, birds, and insects. The presence of this species is a strong indicator of a healthy, mature forest ecosystem, as they require large, aged trees that are often absent from managed timberlands. For those exploring the mountain trails after dusk, the evocative calls of the tawny owl provide a profound connection to the wild, untouched spirit of the Pyrenean high forests.
- Location: Andorra
- Top sights: roc del Rellotge · Pic de l'Estanyó · Parc Natural de la Vall de Sorteny
- Nearby: El Vilar (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -2 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 2 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 60 | 48 | 57 | 71 | 77 | 52 | 46 | 47 | 50 | 64 | 70 | 49 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
The best time to hear tawny owls is from October to February when they are marking their territory. In spring, the calls of young owls can be heard from tree cavities.
Best time of day
Tawny owls are nocturnal; their characteristic call is most audible at dusk and during the first hours of night. Set out shortly before sunset.
Etiquette
Avoid loud noises and do not use bright flashlights that could blind the birds. Keep distance from nesting trees and do not disturb any nest cavities.
What to bring
A red flashlight is convenient as it barely disturbs the birds. Warm clothing is essential for the nighttime temperatures in the forests of Ordino.
Getting there
The old forests of Ordino are accessible via the hiking trails of Vall de Sorteny. A good starting point is the car park at the Sorteny visitor centre.
What to expect
The tawny owl's call can be heard from far away, but spotting the bird itself requires patience. Listen carefully and slowly approach the source of the call.
Geography
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Sights in the town Tawny Owl in Old Forests (5)
Pic de les Fonts
Mountain in Andorra, a hiking destination.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where in the forests does the tawny owl live?
In old mixed forests with many tree hollows, which serve as daytime cover and nesting sites.
Can the tawny owl be seen during the day?
Rarely, as it usually sleeps motionlessly in a hollow or close to a tree trunk during the day.
What does the tawny owl's call sound like?
The male makes the well-known 'hoo-hoo-hooooo' call, while the female often calls 'ke-wick'.
What do tawny owls eat?
Their diet consists mainly of mice, but also small birds, frogs, and large insects.
Why are old forests so important for them?
Only old forests have enough natural tree hollows, which are essential for the species' survival.
Tawny Owl in Old Forests: where is it located?
Tawny Owl in Old Forests is located in Andorra.
Tawny Owl in Old Forests: what is there to see?
Highlights include roc del Rellotge, Pic de l'Estanyó, Parc Natural de la Vall de Sorteny.
Tawny Owl in Old Forests: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Tawny Owl in Old Forests: why is it worth visiting?
The Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) is a secretive and vital resident of the ancient forests of Ordino, embodying the mysterious side of Andorra's nocturnal wildlife.
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Nearby cities
Sorteny Valley
A protected natural park with exceptional botanical diversity and hiking trails.
Casa Molines
A historic manor house that is part of a small hamlet near Ordino.
Segudet
A picturesque, quiet village with traditional houses, very close to the center of Ordino.
Pla d'Ordino
A flat, open area near the village of Ordino, used for walks and recreation.
Riu de Tristaina
The river that descends from the famous Tristaina Lakes, flowing through the upper Ordino valley.
Ordino-Arcalís
A ski resort renowned for its excellent snow and freeride opportunities.
Pont d'Arcalís
A bridge and area that marks the start of the final climb to the Arcalís ski resort.
Arans
A small village on the way to El Serrat, known for its traditional 'bordas'.
Els Plans
A high plateau near El Serrat, serving as a starting point for mountain excursions.
El Serrat
A small village at the end of the Ordino valley, near the Ordino-Arcalís ski resort and the Sorteny Nature Park.
Les Salines
An area in Ordino known for its recreational facilities, such as an outdoor swimming pool.
Llorts
A village famous for its iron mine and the 'Iron Route', which honors the region's iron industry past.
Sornàs
A small village in the Ordino valley with a charming little church and rural atmosphere.
La Cortinada
Known for its Romanesque church Sant Martí with beautiful 12th-century frescoes, and a nature center.
Ancodina
A small grouping of houses between Ordino and La Cortinada.
More places
Wild Berry Harvesting in Ordino
In late summer, wild raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries can be foraged in the forests and slopes of Ordino.
Sheep and Goat Farms Ordino
In Ordino, there are several small farms that raise sheep and goats for the production of cheese and meat.
Butterfly Meadows Ordino
The flower-rich meadows in the Sorteny Valley are a paradise for numerous butterfly species in summer.
Pyrenean Chamois Area Ordino
The rocky slopes around Ordino are a prime habitat for the agile Pyrenean chamois.
Capercaillie Forests Ordino
The old-growth forests in the Ordino valley are one of the few places in Andorra to find the elusive capercaillie.
Pyrenean Newt Streams
The cold, clear mountain streams of Ordino are home to the endemic Pyrenean brook newt.
Ibex Reintroduction Zone
Ibex have been successfully reintroduced in the Sorteny Natural Park and can now be seen roaming the high slopes.
Casa Aravell Winery
A small, family-run winery in Ordino that passionately maintains the Pyrenean wine tradition.