Birds and wildlife

Little Owl

Athene noctuaGroup: OwlsUK Conservation status:Not assessed

How to identify

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. Breeding Bird Survey data suggests that Little Owl numbers are declining, with the UK population estimated to be down by 24 per cent between 1995 and 2008.

Call

Little Owl

Tomas Belka / xeno-canto

Key

  1. Resident
  2. Passage
  3. Summer
  4. Winter
* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Key facts