Tawny (color) facts for kids

Tawny is a warm, brownish-orange color. You can also think of it as a brownish-yellow. It's a color often found in nature, like the fur of some animals or the leaves on trees in autumn.

What is Tawny?

Tawny is a color that sits between brown and orange. It's not quite a bright orange, and it's not a dark brown. Instead, it has a rich, earthy feel to it. Imagine the color of a lion's mane or the feathers of certain birds – that's often tawny!

Where Does the Name Come From?

The word "tawny" comes from an old French word, tanné. This word was used to describe the color of leather after it had been treated with a process called tanning. Tanning uses tree bark and other natural materials to make animal hides into leather, and this process often gives the leather a brownish-yellow or brownish-orange color.

Tawny in Nature

The tawny color is very common in the natural world. It helps many animals blend into their surroundings, which is a great way to hide from predators or sneak up on prey.

Animals with Tawny Colors

Many animals have tawny fur or feathers.

• The tawny owl is a famous example. Its feathers are a mix of browns and oranges, helping it camouflage perfectly against tree bark, especially at night.
• Lions are often described as having tawny coats. This helps them blend into the dry grasslands where they live.
• Deer, foxes, and some types of birds like hawks and eagles also have tawny markings. This natural coloring is called camouflage.

Plants and Tawny Hues

You can also see tawny colors in plants, especially during certain seasons.

• In autumn, many leaves turn beautiful shades of orange, brown, and yellow before they fall. Some of these colors are very much like tawny.
• The dried grasses in fields can also take on a tawny appearance, especially in late summer or early fall.
• Some types of mushrooms and tree bark can also show tawny shades.

Tawny in Everyday Life

Beyond nature, the tawny color appears in many things we use every day.

• It's a popular color for clothing, especially for jackets, sweaters, and boots, because it's warm and earthy.
• Furniture and home decorations often use tawny tones, especially those made of wood or leather.
• Some types of bricks and pottery can also have a tawny look.

Images for kids

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  The tawny owl (Strix aluco) is named for its tawny feathers.

See also

In Spanish: León (color) para niños