Little owl

Little owl

©Luke Massey/2020VISION

Little owl

Enw gwyddonol: Athene noctua
Introduced into the UK in the 19th century, the diminutive little owl can now be seen along hedgerows, on farmland and in parkland across England and Wales. It often perches on a pole or rock, looking out for its unsuspecting prey.

Species information

Ystadegau

Length: 21-23cm
Wingspan: 56cm
Weight: 180g
Average lifespan: 3 years

Statws cadwraethol

Introduced, non-native species.

Pryd i'w gweld

January to December

Ynghylch

Although mainly nocturnal, the little owl can be spotted in the day hunting invertebrates (especially worms), small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and small birds. It is often seen perched a telegraph pole, an old parkland tree, along a hedgerow, or on a rock; from these positions, it quietly scans the ground for prey. When it spots something, it swoops down and catches its victim with either its claws or beak. little owls breed between March and August, forming monogamous pairs and nesting in hollow trees.

Sut i'w hadnabod

The little owl is small and brown, with a short tail and yellow eyes.

Dosbarthiad

Found in England, Wales and southern Scotland.

Roeddech chi yn gwybod?

The little owl was introduced to the UK from the continent in the 19th century.

Gwyliwch

Little Owls by Russell Savory