Little Owl (Athene noctua)

'Bruno' was a new addition to the centre for 2007. He was bred in captivity and arrived at the centre at 20 days old. He was then hand-raised and is one of our star birds (what he lacks in size he makes up for with his personality!!). He attends many school talks and is usually the first bird children fly on a One-Hour Bird Handling Experience- to build up their confidence!

He is also used for many different things at the centre, such as Owl Evenings and other Experience Days, Educational Talks and Outside Events.

In the wild

The Little Owl is the smallest species of owl in the UK. They are in fact not a truely native species, as they were introduced to this country from Europe in the 1890s to an estate in Bedfordshire. They have since spread and are now the second most common Owl species behind the Tawny Owl.

Origin: The Little Owl is found throughout Europe, Asia and North Africa.

Diet: Insects, primarily beetles and grasshoppers, other arthropods, small reptiles and frogs, small mammals and birds, as well as earthworms.

Habitat: Open country with groups of trees and bushes, pastureland with scattered trees, orchards with old fruit trees, parkland and edges of semi-open woodland. Locally near human settlements with surrounding cultivated land with trees, very often seen perched on fence posts.