Where do little owls live and what do they eat?

The little owl (Athene noctua) is a small bird, measuring approximately 20 cm (8 inches) in length, found across Europe, central Asia, and northern Africa, with introduced populations in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.1

Habitat and Nesting

Little owls are year-round residents of their environments. They typically nest in natural cavities, such as those found in trees or cliffs, and frequently utilize holes in buildings. Their preferred habitats include:12
* Savannas and grasslands1
* Cliffs and gorges1
* Open areas where they can often be seen perching during the day1

Diet

These owls are active during the day and have a varied diet consisting of insects, small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Like other owls, they generally swallow their prey whole and later regurgitate indigestible materials, such as fur and bones, in the form of a compact pellet.13