Little Owl

Athene noctua

The Little Owl (Athene noctua) is a small owl species found in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It has a distinctive appearance with a compact body, large head, and prominent yellow eyes. Little Owls are often active during the day, hunting for small mammals, insects, and birds. They are known for their characteristic call, a repeated 'kiew' sound. These owls prefer open landscapes with scattered trees and human-made structures such as farmlands, orchards, and parklands. The Little Owl is well adapted to living in proximity to humans and is often found near human settlements. Despite facing some threats from habitat loss and agricultural intensification, the Little Owl is currently considered to be of Least Concern by the IUCN.

Habitat: Open landscapes with scattered trees and human-made structures