Little owl
The little owl (Athene noctua) is a small owl native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It has a rounded head, yellow eyes, and a compact build.
Athene: Athene is a genus of small owls that includes the little owl and burrowing owl. The little owl is the genus’s eponymous and most widespread species.
Bird of prey: A bird of prey hunts animals using specialized vision, a hooked bill, and grasping feet. The little owl belongs to this predatory guild, though it also takes invertebrates.
Bird ringing: Bird ringing is the attachment of a small identifying band to a bird’s leg for research. Ringing helps track little owl survival, movement, and population trends.
Burrowing owl: The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small owl of the Americas that nests in underground burrows. It is the little owl’s closest well-known relative in the genus Athene.
British little owl: The British little owl is the introduced population of Athene noctua established in Britain. Its history illustrates how human introductions expanded the species beyond its native range.
Strigiformes: Strigiformes is the bird order comprising all living owls. The little owl’s silent flight and forward-facing eyes are traits of this broader order.
Nocturnality: Nocturnality is a pattern of being active mainly at night. Little owls are less strictly nocturnal than many other owls.
Nest box monitoring: Nest box monitoring is the repeated inspection of artificial nest sites to record wildlife use and breeding. Monitoring boxes documents little owl clutch size, hatching, and fledging.
Tawny owl: The tawny owl (Strix aluco) is a medium-sized woodland owl native to Europe and parts of Asia. It shares parts of the little owl’s European range but favors wooded habitats.
Little owl in the Netherlands: The little owl is a resident breeding species in the Netherlands, especially in traditional rural landscapes. Dutch monitoring has documented population links to orchards, pasture, and nest cavities.