Little Owl – Athene noctua

Distribution

The little owl is the most commonly seen owl in Britain, but is actually a very recent arrival, having been introduced into southern England by the Victorians. They are now found throughout lowland England and Wales.

It is Britain’s smallest resident owl and easily identified by its compact shape and staring yellow eyes. Its favoured habitat is farmland and it is often seen at dusk or even in the daytime, sitting on a post or telegraph pole. Little owls hunt from perches such as these, pouncing on small mammals, birds and insects, particularly earthworms and beetles.

Their call is a whistling sound, not unlike a lapwing or a mewing cat. In flight they can be seen usually low to the ground following a gently undulating path.

Origin:Introduced

Size:Height 21 – 23 cm. About the size of a thrush.

Description:Mottled brown and grey, rounded wings and short tail. Large yellow eyes.

Habitat:Lowland farmland with old trees and buildings or other sheltered locations.

Young:2 – 5 eggs once a year in April or May, incubated by female and hatched in 4 weeks. Fledging about 5 – 6 weeks later.

Nest:Hole in a tree or stone wall. Sometimes uses buildings.

Diet:Large insects, some small mammals and birds.

Population:Pre-breeding season estimated 20,000.