In Belgrad Forest near Istanbul-Turkey we surveyed the Tawny Owl’s distribution, population density and habitat preferences. The study area was divided into 18 sample areas, which are 2x2 km. We located a total of 93 tawny owls (Strix aluco L. 1758): 34 pairs, 14 single males, 6 single females and 5 juveniles. Tawny Owls preferred deciduous old forest stands near streams and dams in Belgrad Forest. Also, their diet consisted mainly of Rodentia (93%) and a small percentage of birds, amphibian and insects (7%).