Little Owl

The Little Owl (Athene noctua), Britain's smallest owl at just 22 centimetres long, was introduced to the UK from continental Europe during the 1870s rather than being a native species. Distinguished by bright yellow eyes, white 'eyebrows', and speckled brown plumage, it is unusual among owls in being frequently active during daylight, especially at dawn and dusk. It nests in hollows in trees, old buildings, rabbit burrows or rock crevices, and forms long-term monogamous pairs that return to the same nest site year after year. Its diet is remarkably varied, consisting largely of insects, earthworms and beetles, but also including voles, mice, small birds, reptiles and amphibians. The species has been closely linked to human culture since ancient times — its scientific name references the Greek goddess Athena, and it appeared on ancient Athenian coins as a symbol of wisdom. Populations have declined significantly across the UK in recent decades, making it a species of conservation concern despite its introduced status.