Little Owl
by
Shop
Athene noctua
Scarce residents of 7,000 breeding pairs in Britain & were introduced in the 19th century around in open lowland country with mixture of fields.
Also breeds in mainland Europe & North Central Africa.
Adults are white-speckled brown above, and brown-streaked white below.
It has a large head, long legs, and yellow eyes, and its white "eyebrows" give it a stern expression.
Juveniles are duller, and lack the adult's white crown spots.
This species has a bounding flight like a woodpecker
The call is a querulous kiew, kiew.
Less frequently, various whistling or trilling calls are uttered.
In the breeding season, other more modulated calls are made, and a pair may call in duet.