Little Owls

Little Owl

'Athene noctua'

The little owl, which was introduced to the UK in the 1800s, is the smallest owl species in Britain. It is only 20cm in height and has a round, brown body and piercingly yellow eyes.

Unfortunately, the little owl population in the UK is on the decline and has falled by almost a fifth since 1995. It is suspected that human activity, specifically intensive farming methods, may be to blame.

The little owl is also known as the 'owl of Athena' or the 'owl of Minerva' due to its connection to Greek and Roman mythology, where the bird accompanies these goddesses of wisdom and warfare. Because of this association, and as with owls more generally, the bird has often symbolised knowledge and erudition in the Western world.

Learn more from the Woodland Trust and Wikipedia

This page was built by Aleksiina Kallunki