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 long, rounded wings, rapid wingbeats and flies with a slight undulation.
Breeding Bird Survey data suggest that Little owl numbers are declining, with the UK population estimated to be down by 24 per cent between 1995 and 2008.
Key ID Features:
Small, round, flat-headed owl often seen perched during daylight hours.
Generally brown upper parts with creamy-buff spots on the back and wings and small white spots on the crown.
The pale underside has complex wavy brown streaked pattern.
Flattish white eyebrows sit above dark ringed yellow eyes.
In flight bursts of wing beats from short round wings punctuate an undulating, bounding motion, sweeping upwards to perch.
Scientific name: Athene noctua
Family: Owls (Strigidae)
Where to see them
Found in England and Wales with a few in southern Scotland. It likes lowland farmland with hedges and copses, parkland and orchards. Most common in central, southern and south eastern England, and the Welsh borders.
Seen in UK:
All year round, during the day. It hunts at night and dawn.
What they eat
Small mammals and birds, beetles and worms.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
