• Getting to know the Little Owl 🐦

    From: BirdFood UK Jan-06-2023 01:54:am

    Don't miss this weeks beak!

    CJ Wildlife
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    Hello krazypromo!

    The best time of the week is here, beak of the week is back.


    This week, we're focusing on a species that is small and cute, yet also, undeniably majestic. Of course, we're talking about the little owls!


    The birds were introduced in the UK during the 19th century and successfully spread throughout, however, they are now unfortunately declining.


    According to estimates, there are now about 5,600 breeding pairs left in the UK, so read on to learn all about these wonderful owls and what you can do to help them thrive!

    Little Owl Nest Watch > 

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    Introducing, the Little Owl!

    Little Owl Fact File


    What do they eat? Their diet consists mainly of insects, with crickets, beetles, grasshoppers and worms providing most of their sustenance. However, they have also been known to eat small mammals and even small birds during nesting season!


    Are they nocturnal? They are most active at dawn and dusk, but they can be spotted during the day as they enjoy watching the world go by from great heights, perched on a dead tree or telegraph pole.


    Where do they nest? Little owls are cavity nesters, so will usually look for suitably sized holes, like tree holes or even rabbit holes to nest in. However, they also enjoy man-made nest boxes and will return to the same nesting site every year!


    How do their eggs hatch? Female little owls usually lay around 4 eggs at the end of April and incubation takes a month. The babies fledge after 5-6 weeks but remain dependent on their parents for at least another couple.


    Where can they be found?  Little owls were introduced across the UK in the 1800's and spread across England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. However, they have been declining since and can no longer be found in Ireland or most parts of Scotland. Ideally, they prefer farmland but they can be found across a range of habitats.

    Little Owl Conservation 

    Due to the declining numbers of little owls, there are ongoing conservation efforts as lovers of these fantastic birds try to slow down the decline in their range and population.


    Unfortunately, a large part of the decline is down to climate change, with the weather conditions becoming more extreme in Winter as they struggle with the wet and cold. 


    However, we can still have a positive impact by ensuring they have plenty of prey and providing them with specially designed nest boxes for them to use. For prey, avoiding the use of pesticides and farming in a more biodiverse way makes a big difference for owls.


    For nesting, we have designed a nest box so that you can start helping them today! Our expert wildlife team designed it with great adaptations and we are proud of the impact it can have!

    The Little Owl Nest Box

    This bespoke little owl nest box has a 7cm diameter hole in the front. This is the optimum sized hole as it allows little owls in whilst keeping the more domineering tawny owl out.


    This eco-friendly box also has a separate nesting area at the back, which appeals to the little owl's natural preference for nesting in dark cavities.


    It can be placed at any height where the box is free from predators or interference. It is best in a quiet area on an accessible branch.


    Help a Little Owl >

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