Little Owl
Small, fierce, and full of character, the Little Owl is one of the UK’s most recognisable and charismatic birds of prey.
Though not native to Britain, these wide-eyed hunters have made themselves at home across farmland, woodland edges, and open countryside—often spotted perched boldly on fence posts or old stone walls.
Their stare is piercing. Their posture upright. And their behaviour, at times, surprisingly bold.
Where to See Them
Despite their secretive habits, Little Owls are actually more visible than many of their nocturnal cousins. They are often active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk, and prefer low, open landscapes.
In the UK, your best chances of spotting one are in:
Lowland farmland with mature trees and hedgerows
Traditional orchards and pastureland
Dry stone walls, barns, and old rural buildings
Parkland with open grassland and scattered trees
They are most widespread in central and southern England and parts of Wales, though their range has contracted in recent decades.
Identification
The name fits. Little Owls are indeed small — about the size of a blackbird — but unmistakable once you’ve seen one.
Key features include:
Flat head and broad, stocky body
Bright yellow eyes set in a stern, frowning face
A distinctive white 'eyebrow' marking above each eye
Mottled brown and white plumage with white spots on the back and wings
Short tail and rounded wings, with a rapid, bounding flight
Unlike many owls, they are often seen in daylight, perching openly as they survey their territory.
Habitat and Behaviour
Originally introduced to the UK in the late 19th century, the Little Owl is native to mainland Europe and Asia. It has since become a familiar sight in traditional countryside settings, though population numbers have declined in recent years.
Little Owls favour:
Mixed farmland with old trees and pasture
Broken ground or ploughed fields for hunting
Crevices in trees, walls, or buildings for nesting
They are territorial birds, often seen in the same location day after day. Their movement is often a series of short bursts — flitting from post to post or dropping down onto prey from a perch.
Diet and Hunting
Little Owls are primarily insectivorous, though their diet is highly varied depending on the season. They hunt mostly from low perches, swooping down on prey or running across the ground in pursuit.
Their diet includes:
Beetles, worms, and other invertebrates
Mice and voles
Small birds, amphibians, and reptiles
Occasionally, carrion or food scraps
They hunt both by sight and sound, using their excellent vision to detect movement in open ground.
Breeding and Calls
Breeding typically begins in early spring, with pairs using cavities in trees, walls, or buildings to lay eggs. The female incubates while the male provides food, and fledglings leave the nest after about a month.
Their call is a key identifier. A series of short, high-pitched “kiew kiew” calls, often heard at dusk or early morning, reveals their presence. During the breeding season, males may also give a trilling territorial call from a prominent perch.
Photographing Little Owls
Little Owls offer some of the most rewarding — and challenging — photography opportunities in the UK. Their striking eyes, charismatic posture, and tendency to perch in open spots make for great compositions.
Tips for photographing them:
Look for old barns, fence posts, or stone walls at dawn and dusk
Use a telephoto lens to keep your distance — these birds can be bold, but sensitive to disturbance
Focus on their gaze and posture to capture character
Patience is key — spend time observing from a hide or quiet spot to let them get used to your presence
Their intensity, even in stillness, often tells its own story.
