EP37 Little Owl - Bird Song

The Little Owl (Athene noctua) is a small, stocky bird of prey that is found throughout Europe and parts of Asia and North Africa. It measures around 23 cm in length, with a wingspan of about 56 cm. The Little Owl has a distinctive appearance, with a round head and small, yellow eyes. Its upperparts are brownish-grey, while its underparts are whitish with brown spots. It has long, feathered legs and sharp talons, which it uses to catch small rodents, insects, and other prey.
The Little Owl can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including open woodland, farmland, orchards, and suburban areas. It is a cavity nester and will use tree holes, buildings, or nest boxes for nesting sites. The Little Owl is also known for its daytime hunting habits, often perching on low branches or fence posts, and scanning the ground for prey.
The male and female Little Owl have different calls. The male has a soft, repetitive "kiew-kiew" call, while the female has a harsher, more varied call that is often described as a "kee-wick" or "wheet-wheet." Both calls are used for communication and territorial defense. Little Owls are known for being vocal birds, especially during the breeding season, and their calls can often be heard throughout the day and night.