Little Owl
I.U.C.N status
International Union for Conservation of Nature
LC
Least concern
NT
Near threatened
VU
Vulnerable
EN
Endangered
CR
Critically endangered
EW
Extinct in the wild
EX
Extinct
Identity card
Class :
Birds
Order :
Strigiformes
Family :
Strigidae
Genus :
Athene
Species :
noctua
Average size
23 cm / 54 to 58 cm (wingspan)
Weight
185 to 200 g
Longevity
16 years
Sexual maturity
1 year
Incubation
28 to 33 days
Clutch
3 to 6 eggs
Diet
Carnivore
Large insects, worms, small mammals...
Did you know?
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 conservation
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 within or outside the European Union is prohibited. This species is protected throughout the national territory.
