Little Owl
ExploreBirds
Little Owl
Athene noctua
The Little Owl is a small, cute bird that loves to hunt at night. With big yellow eyes and a soft, spotted body, it can be found in fields and gardens, making it a delightful sight for nature lovers.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Little Owl is a small, compact owl with a flattened head and bright yellow eyes. It has mottled brown and white plumage, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark or stone. It lacks ear tufts, unlike many other owl species.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderStrigiformesFamilyStrigidaeGenusAthene
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
If scared, a Little Owl will stand tall and sway to look bigger and scarier!
Little Owls often use old burrows of rabbits or badgers as their cozy homes!
These tiny owls will sometimes save extra food in their nests for later snacks.
They make a distinctive "kew-kew" call that sounds like a little dog barking.
Special abilities
Ability
Silent Hunter
Little Owl has soft, fringed feathers that help them fly almost silently, allowing them to ambush prey undetected.
Ability
Head Spinner
Little Owl can turn its head nearly 270 degrees, giving it a super wide view to spot food without moving its body.
Ability
Day & Night Vision
Little Owl has bright yellow eyes that help them see clearly in both dim light and bright daylight, making them unique day hunters.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 21-23 cm
- Wingspan
- 54-58 cm
- Weight
- 0.16-0.23 kg
- Lifespan
- 3-10 years
- Top Speed
- 60 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-5
- Incubation
- 28-33 days
Diet & Feeding
These small owls love to snack on insects and small rodents!
Primary Foods
- large insects
- earthworms
- voles
- mice
- small birds
- amphibians
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Eurasian Eagle-Owl
Bubo bubo
Larger owls sometimes prey on Little Owls.
eaten by
Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes
Foxes are opportunistic predators of adult and young owls.
hunts
Common Vole
Microtus arvalis
A primary food source, caught on the ground.
hunts
Common Earthworm
Lumbricus terrestris
Often caught at dusk or after rain.
shelters
European Rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Often nests in abandoned rabbit burrows.
Traits
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Ambush Predator
An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Athene owlCommon owl
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
If you see an owl, watch quietly from a distance. Don't try to touch it!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Little Owl?
21-23 cm
What is Little Owl's wingspan?
54-58 cm
How much does Little Owl weigh?
0.16-0.23 kg
How long does Little Owl live?
3-10 years
How fast can Little Owl move?
60 km/h
What does Little Owl eat?
These small owls love to snack on insects and small rodents!
Where is Little Owl usually found?
Grasslands
How does Little Owl hunt?
Ambush
Snap Map
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