Owls | British Owls | Little Owl
Little Owl
Athene noctua
This small owl was introduced to the UK in the 19th century. It can be seen in the daylight, usually perching on a tree branch, telegraph pole or rock. It will bob its head up and down when alarmed. In flight, it has rounded wings, rapid wingbeats and flies with a slight bounce.
| COMMON NAME | Little Owl |
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | Athene noctua |
| STATUS | Least Concern |
| DISTRIBUTION | Eurasia, Northern Africa & New Zealand |
| HABITAT | Rocky hillsides, semi-desert, pastureland, and open parkland |
| NATURAL DIET | Beetles, grasshoppers, small reptiles, and frogs |
| HEIGHT | 210mm – 230mm |