Little Owl

Diurnal habits

Unlike most owls, the little owl is active during the day as well as at night. It often perches prominently on open, exposed positions — fence posts, telegraph poles, barn roofs, and stone walls — in full daylight, making it one of the most easily observed British owls. When disturbed, it bobs its head repeatedly and erects a slight crest of head feathers — a characteristic reaction to disturbance.

Introduction to Britain

The little owl is not native to Britain — it was deliberately introduced from the Netherlands and Italy by Lord Lilford in the 1870s and other landowners subsequently. The introductions were successful and the bird spread steadily through England and Wales during the early 20th century, reaching Scotland marginally. A major debate followed about whether introduced little owls were damaging game bird chicks and should be controlled; investigations eventually showed no significant impact.

Hunting

Little owls are generalist hunters, taking earthworms, beetles, moths, small mammals, and small birds. Worms are particularly important, especially in autumn. They hunt from perches and by running along the ground — their relatively long legs make them unusual among owls in their ability to pursue prey on foot. They may store surplus prey in larder caches.

Minerva’s owl

Athene noctua is named after Athena/Minerva, the Greek and Roman goddess of wisdom, whose symbol was the little owl. Coins from ancient Athens bore an owl design — probably the little owl, which was common on the Acropolis. The phrase “taking owls to Athens” (equivalent to “coals to Newcastle”) refers to its abundance in the city.