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The range is distributed in Central and Southern Europe, North Africa and Central Asia. -
The body length is up to 28 cm. The wingspan is up to 61 cm. -
Weight - 120-220 g. -
The basis of food is made up of rodents and insects, often it gets birds, reptiles, worms and other small animals. -
Life expectancy is up to 16 years.
Unlike other owls, the little owl often hunts rodents right in their burrows.
Social behavior
It is found mainly in open landscapes, and also often in or near populated areas, near farms or abandoned buildings. They live in pairs that are created for several years, although probably the birds are more attached to the territory than to the partner.
Reproduction
They nest in various niches and cavities of buildings, can arrange nests in burrows, rock niches, piles of stones, tree hollows. The clutch consists of 3-7 white eggs. The female incubates the clutch for 25-28 days. Both parents feed the offspring.
Species and people
Since ancient times, people have treated owls with caution, considering them harbingers of trouble. Fortunately, this prejudice is gradually becoming obsolete. In Ukraine, owls nest only in the cultural landscape, including large cities.
Interesting Facts
According to ancient Greek myths, the house owl was a companion of the goddess Athena and to this day it is a symbol of the city of Athens.
In Kazakh, it is called "baigush" - "beggar". It is believed that the owl asks for alms with tearful cries.
Since 1992, in the Netherlands, the image of a house owl has been used as a watermark on a 100-guilder bill.
