Little Owl Welfare: Introduced Species Facing Agricultural Change

Little owls were introduced to Britain in the 19th century and established a successful population. But like native farmland birds, they are now declining due to agricultural intensification.

Key Facts

Little owls were introduced to England from continental Europe in the 1870s and 1890s
The UK population peaked at around 8,000 pairs but has declined by around 55% since the 1970s
They nest in tree cavities, old farm buildings, and rabbit burrows
Little owls feed on earthworms, beetles, and small vertebrates found in rough grassland
They are partly diurnal, sometimes hunting in daylight - making them more visible than other owls
Loss of earthworm-rich permanent pasture has reduced their food supply dramatically

Welfare Considerations

Little owl welfare mirrors that of other farmland species - intensive agriculture has removed the rough pasture, hedgerow trees, and invertebrate-rich habitats they depend on. Loss of earthworms through soil compaction and drainage is particularly significant. Little owls cannot simply switch to alternative food sources when earthworms are scarce - their bill and hunting style are specialised. Maintaining and restoring permanent pasture with diverse structure, alongside old trees for nesting, is the most direct welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Support traditional mixed farming that maintains permanent pasture and rough grassland
Install little owl nest boxes in suitable rural areas
Report little owl sightings to BTO BirdTrack to track distribution changes
Donate to farmland bird recovery programmes
Advocate for agri-environment funding that rewards invertebrate-rich farmland management