Little Owl
Athene noctua
21-23cm
Appearance of the Little Owl
The smallest owl of the region, the Little Owl has a rounded body and a short tail. The sexes are similar. Upperparts are brownish and spotted white, pale breast is darkly streaked, and the eyes are vivid yellow with white 'eyebrows'. Juveniles resemble adults but they don't have the white spotting on the head, and they're duller overall.
Little Owl Habitat
Is fairly flexible with its habitat when in the region, mostly living on or near farmland with woods, copses and hedges. Breeding may occur in places such as parks, orchards or water meadows.
Character
Active during the day, though most hunting happens between dusk and midnight, and a lot of it is at ground level. When flying the wingbeats are often fast and the bird dips and soars; at other times the flight can be undeviating.
What does the Little Owl eat?
Diet includes shrews, voles, beetles, caterpillars, moths and earthworms.
Little Owl Breeding
Most commonly nests in holes in trees. Female lays 3 or 4 eggs in April and May, and she incubates the clutch for 29-31 days. Female broods for first 2 weeks and then both parents hunt for food. Young learn to fly at about 37 days old, but they may explore near the nest before then.
Population
Not a migratory bird; juveniles depart breeding sites at the end of summer but it's uncommon for them to travel any significant distance. Approximately 5700 pairs breed in Britain and none in Ireland.
Observation Tips for the Little Owl
The dusk call of this owl is perhaps the best signifier of its presence, and unlike some other owls, it is active in the day so may be seen on a perch or in flight while the sun is up.
Voice
Has a persistent 'kiu-kiu' call that often accompanies courting in March and April, and is usually heard around dusk. Males may also give a singular hoot.
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