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The little owl (Athene noctua) is a nocturnal bird of prey with crepuscular habits that belongs to the Strigidae family. From a symbolic point of view, it has a long history associated with wisdom and knowledge: in Greek mythology it was the animal sacred to Athena, goddess of wisdom and military strategy; she was considered a symbol of intelligence and wisdom and her call was believed to be a harbinger of important events; moreover, like many other nocturnal animals, it was considered by popular tradition an animal that brings bad luck, in fact in ancient Egypt it was believed that its verse was an omen of death and during the Middle Ages it was associated with witchcraft.
It is a species native to southern Europe, northern Africa and western Asia. However, due to its remarkable adaptability, it has been successfully introduced in other parts of the world such as North America, South America and Australia. It is a very common species and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, agricultural areas, urban parks and suburban gardens. It lives among ruins, in tree-lined urban areas and wherever it can find refuge among rock cavities, walls of dilapidated buildings, abandoned burrows and trunks.
It is a medium-sized bird, with a length ranging from 22 to 28 centimeters and a wingspan that can reach 55 centimeters. Its feathers are predominantly reddish-brown in color, with black and white spots all over its body, giving it a camouflage appearance that is perfect for blending into its surroundings. The beak is short and hooked, the head is flat and the eyebrows that adorn the eyes are white, the irises take on a yellowish colour. The little Owls are territorial and solitary animals.
One of the little owl's distinguishing features is its ability to rotate its head up to 270 degrees; this extraordinary mobility of the neck allows the bird to have a panoramic view of its hunting territory without having to move. This ability, coupled with its exceptionally keen eyesight and hearing, make the little owl a highly efficient predator, able to spot even the smallest prey in total darkness.
Even if it is a nocturnal raptor, it can also be observed during the day, mainly in the early morning and at sunset. It feeds mainly on insects, small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Its diet varies depending on the habitat it inhabits and the hunting opportunities available. Like all other owls, it can swallow the preys whole and then regurgitate the non-digestible parts, in the form of wad. Its predators, on the other hand, are other birds of prey such as sparrowhawks and goshawks. Its eggs are preyed on by weasels.
The little owl has an interesting life cycle and in the wild can live up to 16 years. The male specimens are smaller than the females and reproduction takes place from April to July. Between winter and spring, pairs begin to form and establish their nesting territory. Usually, the newly formed pair settles in tree holes or rock crevices, where they build the nest with plant materials, leaves and feathers. The females lay 3 to 6 eggs and take care of their brooding, while the males are dedicated to providing them with food during this critical period.
After an incubation period of about a month, the eggs hatch, the newborns develop rapidly and, after a few weeks, are able to fly and hunt with the assistance of their parents. Unlike many other species of birds of prey, owls are able to reproduce during their first year of life. Unfortunately, the species has been hunted and persecuted throughout history, often due to negative popular beliefs and superstitions about it.
Fortunately, it is not currently considered an endangered species. Its wide distribution and ability to adapt to different habitats give it greater resistance than other species and it plays a significant role in the ecosystem in which it lives; being a predator of rodents, it helps control populations of these species, which can cause damage to crops or transmit diseases. Furthermore, owls can serve as an indicator of habitat quality, as they are sensitive to the negative effects of pollution and environmental alterations; for this reason they can be vulnerable to habitat loss and the decrease in food resources due to deforestation, urbanization and the indiscriminate use of pesticides. However, in recent decades, there has been an increase in awareness and protection against it. Conservation measures and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices have helped preserve its habitat and ensure the survival of this fascinating species.
