Little Owl
Latin Name: Athene noctua
Description: A small, flat headed and short tailed owl with pale yellow eyes. It has a brownish yellow plumage with white spots and flecks.
Habitat: The little owl prefers wooded areas and orchards although it can be found in villages and city areas. This owl is often found in farmland areas.
Food: The little owl eats large insects, spiders, mice, small birds and reptiles.
Distribution: The little owl can be found throughout the British Isles all year round and is a common bird on the Continent.
Nesting: The little owl generally nests in holes in trees or holes in stone walls. Very little nesting material is used and the little owl will rarely nest in a building.
Eggs: The eggs of the little owl are white and the breeding season for the little owl is from April to June. The females lay 3-5 eggs with an incubation period of 24-28 days. The fledglings leave the nest after approximately 34 days.
Did You Know?
- The little owl is normally active during the day and night.
- The little owl has a variety of cries.
- The little owl was the introduced into Great Britain in the late nineteenth century.
Read all about the Little Owl spotted in the lane.
Birds eggs Farm Wildlife Little Owl Nests Owls
The Little Owl is the ‘Owl of Athens’ - the stuff of legends often depicted on ancient greek coins. Owls were linked to wisdom and were the sacred bird of the godess Athena.
However, for the best rendition of the Owls of Athens story (but probably not historically accurate) - check out YouTube for the Bagpuss version. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=7jfHSNcRWLo
It could be that I was product of the 1970’s - but I still love Bagpuss.
Comment by Richard — November 16, 2007 @ 6:34 am
Hi Richard,
What an interesting comment. Your comments are always so enlightening. I am interested in Ancient Greek history and I knew that Athena was linked to an owl but I didn’t realise it was the Little Owl. Thanks for the entertaining Bagpuss link - it reminded me of my childhood days too.
Sara @ farmingfriends
Comment by Sara @ Farming Friends — November 16, 2007 @ 2:42 pm
Nothing could be more sweet than a Little Owl. I remember we used to see the odd owl around on the farm but I haven’t seen any in the wild since then, which is a shame because I love them so much.
Comment by Louise — November 17, 2007 @ 12:08 pm
Hi Louise, Thanks for commenting and visiting. All your comments are so appreciated. I have seen a couple of barn owls in the last two weeks. They are magnificent.
Sara @ farmingfriends
Comment by Sara @ Farming Friends — November 21, 2007 @ 5:41 pm