Species · GBIF taxon 2497266
Little Owl
Athene noctuaAlso known as Owl of Athena, Owl of Minerva
These compact, yellow-eyed owls are frequently active during the day, perched conspicuously on fence posts, telegraph poles, or stone walls. They bob their heads energetically up and down when alarmed, a charming behavior that helps them judge distance before launching into a low, undulating flight. Highly adaptable, they readily nest in hollow trees, old buildings, and even rabbit burrows across their vast range.
CrepuscularCavity-nestingVocal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Common Vole
- Earthworms
- Beetles
Predators
- Red Fox
- Peregrine Falcon
- Tawny Owl
ThreatsHabitat loss, pesticide use reducing prey populations, and vehicle collisions
HabitatsOpen countryside, farmland, orchards, parks, and semi-desert
Life span3 to 9 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyStrigidae
- SpeciesAthene noctua
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of delivering a sharp bite or scratch if cornered; observe from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
- Listen for calls: Scan fence lines and old stone walls when you hear their sharp, barking call.
- Watch the bob: Look for their characteristic head-bobbing behavior, which indicates they have spotted you.
- Check sunny perches: Search for them basking in the morning sun on farm buildings or dead branches.
Competitor (c) caroline legg, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative "Burrowing Owl" by Becky Matsubara is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Close Relative
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