Little Owl
Athene noctua
Of all the UK's resident owls I feel like Little Owls have the most character. Barn and Tawny Owls have such dark eyes that it's harder to relate to them. Short Eared Owls have such and ethereral presence and Long Eared Owls are almost never seen. That leaves the Little Owls with their bright eyes and cheeky antics. Some say they aren't supposed to be here - but they are more than welcome in my book.
Description
The Little Owl is a small bird, only slightly bigger than a thrush. It stands upright with a flat-topped head and bright yellow eyes that look sharp and fierce. Its feathers are a mix of brown and grey with clear white spots and streaks, giving it a distinctive, patchy look. Unlike most owls, it is often active during the day and can frequently be seen sitting on fence posts, telegraph poles, or low branches. When it feels alarmed, it bobs its head. The Little Owl is common across lowland England and Wales but is less common in Scotland. It was introduced to the UK and first became established in the late 1800s. It prefers farmland with hedgerows, orchards, parks, and open land with scattered trees. It needs holes or cavities to nest in, usually found in old trees, stone walls, or farm buildings. The Little Owl hunts by sitting on a perch and then dropping onto its prey, flying in a short, wavy path over pastures and rough grassland.
Vital statistics
Body length
21 - 23 cm
Weight
180 - 220 g
Wingspan
50 - 56 cm
- Insects50%
- Vertebrates40%
- Other Invertebrates10%