Owlet identification and ageing

Nestlings: Tawny Owl on the left, Barn Owl on the right

Why is it important to identify and age an owlet accurately?

When you find an owlet, it’s important to be able to identify and age it accurately, because what species it is and how old it is will dictate the correct course of action. For example, healthy Tawny Owlets can be left alone whilst healthy Barn Owlets must be replaced in the nest. Certain individuals may also need rehabilitation depending on the circumstances.

Barn Owl

Down
White down (very soft and fluffy)

Eye-lids
Dark eyes, flesh-coloured eye-lids

Toes
Unfeathered toes

Often found…
in or near buildings (but will use hollow trees or nestboxes on trees or poles)

Tawny Owl

Down
grey/dirty looking down (white when very small – under 10cm)

Eye-lids
Dark eyes, livid pink eye-lids

Toes
Well-feathered toes

Often found…
in woodland or close to trees

Little Owl

Down
brown / dirty-looking down 

Eye-lids
Pale eyes, flesh-coloured eye-lids

Toes
Slightly feathered toes

Often found…
often found in or near buildings, or under mature trees

People who are licensed to handle wild owls can tell how old they are by taking measurements. Here’s an easy guide for everyone else:

Nestlings

• Don’t look old enough to leave the nest
• No, few or not fully-grown ‘proper’ feathers
• Downy or ‘fluffy’ appearance

Fledglings

• Do look just about old enough to leave the nest
• Mostly-feathered appearance
• Still some wispy down on feathers, typically on the top of the head/between the legs

Juveniles

• Identical to adults in appearance
• Fully-feathered
• No down