At dusk, on a poster on any rural road, we can observe the round figure of the little owl or European, its roundness can be even comical. Despite being an animal with night habits, it can also be seen during the day, although its way of flying changes according to the time of day, being more undulating when there is light.
This small nocturnal bird of prey is one of the most fertile birds on the Iberian Peninsula, it is not considered threatened, although it is regular victim of outrageof road. In this file on our site we talk about the Screen or European Owl , a bird of prey very characteristic of the Mediterranean region.
Origin of the little or European owl
This little owl is native to Europe, Asia and North Africa Its populations are widespread, avoiding mountainous areas and excessively cold places. The scientific name of this bird, Athene noctua, is related to the goddess Athena, although it has always been related to owls, it is the little owl the bird that is actually associated with this goddess.
Characteristics of the Little Owl
The little owl is a small night raptor, with a plump appearance, like a small ball, this being its main characteristic, in addition to its round head free of plumes, as owls usually have.
Its Plumage is greyish-brown, heavily mottled with white. The belly area is lighter, but also mottled. It has white "eyebrows" outlining its large yellow eyes The beak is small. With its wings outstretched, the owl can measure up to 54 centimeters, with a height of only 23 centimeters. Its legs are feathered, except for the claws.
Habitat of the little or European owl
This little owl is not very demanding when it comes to selecting its habitat, although it prefers semi-wooded areas, such as meadows or fields of olives. It does not like very thick forests and it is common to see it near human settlements, it can even nest in urban and peri-urban parks.
In addition, it can live in semi-desert areas, farm fields and orchards. Rarely seen in mountainous areas.
Feeding of the Little Owl or European
The diet of the little owl is varied and will depend on the area where it lives and the type of food available. It has been discovered that the further north they live, their diet is based on vertebrates, especially rodents Likewise, the further south, theinvertebrates , such as insects and earthworms, are their main dish. It is, therefore, a carnivorous animal.
It feeds in two ways, perched on a "perch" or innkeeper, a tall tree, trunk or poster, from which watches out for its prey to be dropped from the air or actively searching for food on the ground, mainly worms.
Reproduction of the Little Owl or European
The reproductive season of this animal begins in spring, at the end of March, hearing its peculiar song reminiscent of a cat's plaintive meow, and ends in April, when the female lays her eggs. The little owls, when they find a mate, keep it throughout their lives, as well as their territory. They do not build a nest, they take advantage of natural holes in the trees or appropriate the abandoned nest of other birds.
The male does not participate in the incubation of the eggs, only the female, who will be fed by the male during this process. When the eggs hatch, both parents will feed the chicks for about a month, by which time the chicks are strong enough to fly, though they will need to be fed for several more weeks.
