The little owl, also known as the owl of Athena or owl of Minerva, is a bird that inhabits much of the temperate and warmer parts of Europe, the Palearctic east to Korea, and North Africa. It was introduced into Britain at the end of the 19th century and into the South Island of New Zealand in the early 20th century.
Region
Europe, North Africa, and western to central Asia (Palearctic)
Typical Environment
Found across temperate and warmer parts of Europe, North Africa, and east through the Palearctic to Korea. It favors open, lowland landscapes with scattered trees, orchards, pastures, and hedgerows, and it often lives near villages and farms. Natural and man-made cavities in trees, walls, banks, and buildings are used for nesting. It was introduced to Britain in the late 19th century and to New Zealand’s South Island in the early 20th century.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The little owl is closely associated with the goddess Athena and is a long-standing symbol of wisdom. Unlike many owls, it is often active by day, especially at dawn and dusk, and commonly perches on fence posts or rooftops. When alarmed it performs a characteristic bobbing motion and gives sharp, yelping calls. It readily uses human structures for nesting, such as walls and farm buildings.
3D scan of little owl skeleton
Little owl on a cliff in Pakistan
Little owls often nest in hollow tree trunks. (Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve, Norfolk)
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
low, fast flight with short, rapid wingbeats; undulating when crossing open areas
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in monogamous pairs that defend small territories. Nests in cavities in trees, walls, or buildings; the female incubates while the male supplies food. Outside the breeding season it may roost communally in areas with abundant perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, fluting whistle and yelping ‘kiew’ calls, often delivered at dusk. Also gives sharp barks, mewing notes, and chattering alarms when disturbed.
