Little owl
Class: Birds
Order: Strigiformes
Family: Strigidae
Genus: Athene
Species: Noctua
Geographic distribution: Eurasia, from the Atlantic to the Pacific
Habitat: Desert environments, steppes, and agricultural areas
Size / Wingspan: 23 cm / 54 to 58 cm
Longevity: 16 years
Weight (male): 185 g
Female weight: 200 g
Sexual maturity: 1 year
Incubation: 28 to 33 days
Clutch size: 3 to 6 eggs
Diet: Carnivore, large insects, worms, small mammals, etc.
Protection status: IUCN CR status – Least Concern
Description
The little owl is cavernicolous, which means that it chooses to nest in cavities. Like other birds of prey, it does not build a nest: the female simply lays her eggs directly on the cavity floor. The little owl hunts mainly at dusk, despite being relatively active during the day.
Threats and perservation
The species has declined sharply in France. There are a variety of reasons for this: the disappearance of cavity nesting trees, a reduction in food resources due to pesticides, road collisions…It is strictly protected by French law, and its trade with in or outside the European Union is prohibited.
