Small and stern, the little owl was
first introduced to the UK in the 1800s. Look out for them in
trees overlooking grassland from where they swoop to catch
small prey with their sharp talons. The little owl is very
small it stands about six inches tall, which makes it about
half the height of a tawny owl. It has an endearing habit of
bobbing its head particularly when agitated and, like all
owls, will tend to keep its body still whilst rotating and
twisting its head to face in any direction.
The Little
Owl is a species that prefers open country, favouring lowland
habitats such as farmland, parkland and orchards. Being the
UK’s smallest owl it is not much bigger than a Song Thrush but
chunky in appearance. The upperparts are grey-brown and the
plumage is often spotted with white. Here this Little Owl it
is photographed against the warm background autumn colours
flying on to one of its favourite feeding perches. |
