The Tawny Owl is a hole nester that seeks out ready-made cavities and readily takes artificial nests within its territory.
Nest site: spacious tree holes in large old broadleaved trees, but also large owl boxes, chimneys and niches in buildings.
Nest box: it readily takes a nest box with a large entrance (about 150×200 mm) in broadleaved woodland, parks or churchyards.
Breeding: 3–4 eggs are laid on the bottom without any real nest-building and incubated for 28–30 days, after which the young remain in the nest for 32–37 days.
The female defends the nest very aggressively and may attack people who come too close during breeding.