Notes on the owls of the Polish Tatra Mountains, Southern Poland

Qualitative observations of owls were carried out in the Polish Tatra Mts, S Poland in the years 1998-2003. The following six species were recorded: Eagle Owl, Tawny Owl, Ural Owl, Pygmy Owl, Tengmalm’s Owl and Long-eared Owl. The distribution of particular owl species in the Tatra Mts is clearly associated with changes in the habitat according to the altitude. Records of the Tawny Owl predominate in the lower montane zone, those of Tengmalm’s Owl in the upper montane zone, and of Long-eared Owl at higher altitudes (timberline and above).