Little Owl : Athene noctua

Little Owl : Athene noctua

Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Athene noctua
Family: Strigidae
Size: 21-23 cm (8.3-9.1 inches)
Wingspan: 50-56 cm (20-22 inches)
Weight: 140-200 g (4.9-7.1 oz)

Conservation Status

IUCN Status: Least Concern
UK Status: Green List
Population Trend: Stable in the UK, though some regional declines

Worldwide Distribution

The Little Owl can be found in:

Throughout much of Europe, including England and Wales
Asia, extending from the Middle East to China
North Africa
Introduced to New Zealand
Year-round resident in the UK (not native, introduced in 1800s)
Absent from Scotland, Ireland, and most of northern England

Spotting Difficulty Rating

🔍🔍🔍 (3/5 – Moderate)

Small size can make detection challenging
Often active during daylight hours
Frequently perches conspicuously on posts and buildings
Distinctive silhouette and behavior aid identification

Habitat and Behavior

The Little Owl is Britain’s smallest resident owl, instantly recognizable by its compact, squat appearance and distinctive fierce yellow eyes set in a flattened facial disc. Unlike most owls, Little Owls are frequently active during daylight hours, particularly at dawn and dusk, making them more likely to be spotted than many other owl species. Their plumage is brown and white with heavy streaking and barring, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark and stone walls.

These charismatic birds favor open countryside with scattered trees, particularly areas with old pollarded willows, orchards, and farmland with hedgerows. They hunt from prominent perches such as fence posts, telegraph poles, or low branches, dropping down to catch prey on the ground. Their diet consists mainly of insects, earthworms, and small mammals, with beetles forming a significant portion of their food intake during summer months.

Little Owls nest in cavities, showing a preference for hollow trees, particularly old fruit trees, but will also use buildings, walls, and nest boxes. They are known for their range of vocalizations, from the male’s territorial “kiew-kiew” call to various chattering and barking sounds. When threatened or curious, they perform a distinctive head-bobbing behavior and may fly in an undulating pattern close to the ground. Their habit of perching openly during daylight hours, combined with their bold nature, makes them one of the more observable owl species in suitable habitat.

Cultural History

The Little Owl holds a unique position in British ornithological history as one of the few bird species deliberately introduced to the UK. The successful introduction was largely due to the efforts of Lord Lilford in Northamptonshire during the 1880s, though earlier attempts had been made. The species was chosen because of its association with Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, making it a symbol of learning and knowledge in classical culture.

In ancient Greece, the Little Owl was sacred to Athena and appeared on Athenian coins, becoming one of the earliest birds to feature on currency. The phrase “taking owls to Athens” (equivalent to “taking coals to Newcastle”) originated from this abundance of owl imagery in the ancient city. Greek mythology held that the Little Owl could see in complete darkness and represented inner wisdom and intuitive knowledge.

Across Europe, where the species is native, Little Owls have been associated with both positive and negative folklore. In some regions, their daytime activity led to them being considered messengers between the world of the living and the dead. However, their connection to Athena generally gave them a more positive reputation than other owl species, which were often viewed as omens of misfortune.

In rural Britain, following their successful establishment, Little Owls became known as “farm owls” due to their preference for agricultural landscapes and their beneficial role in controlling rodent and insect pests. Victorian and Edwardian naturalists celebrated their introduction as a conservation success, and they quickly became integrated into British countryside folklore.

The species has maintained its association with wisdom in modern times, frequently appearing in children’s literature and educational materials as a symbol of knowledge and learning, continuing the classical tradition established over two millennia ago.

Fun Facts

🏛️ They’re named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, and appeared on ancient Athenian coins

🌞 Unlike most owls, they’re often active during broad daylight, especially in summer

🏃 They frequently hunt on foot, running across the ground to catch prey like a small raptor

🏠 They were successfully introduced to Britain in the 1880s and are now considered a naturalized species

👁️ Their intense yellow eyes can appear almost hypnotic when they stare directly at observers

🦵 They have relatively long legs for an owl, adapted for their ground-hunting lifestyle

🎭 They perform elaborate head-bobbing displays when curious or agitated, almost like a courtly bow

Best Places to Spot a Little Owl in the UK

Cotswolds, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire
South Downs, Sussex and Hampshire
Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire
Kent countryside, particularly fruit-growing areas
Leicestershire and Rutland farmland
Warwickshire agricultural areas
Somerset Levels and surrounding farmland
Thames Valley, Berkshire and Oxfordshire

Recommended Viewing Tips

Scan fence posts, telegraph poles, and building rooftops during daylight hours
Look for their distinctive silhouette – compact and upright when perched
Listen for their “kiew-kiew” territorial calls, especially at dusk
Check old orchards and areas with pollarded willows
Watch for their undulating, low flight pattern between perches
Early morning and early evening offer the best viewing opportunities
Use binoculars to appreciate their intense yellow eyes and facial expressions

Conservation Notes

While currently stable, Little Owls face several modern challenges:

Loss of suitable nesting sites due to removal of old trees and farm buildings
Agricultural intensification reducing insect and small mammal prey
Increased traffic mortality, particularly of juveniles dispersing from nest sites
Habitat fragmentation affecting breeding success and territory establishment
Provision of nest boxes can help where natural cavities are scarce
Maintaining traditional orchards and hedgerow trees is crucial for population stability
Reduced pesticide use benefits their insect prey base