UK Wildlife

Little Owl Farmland Pastoral Ecology

The little owl was introduced to England in the 19th century and established breeding populations, now familiar in pastoral farmland where it hunts invertebrates from fence posts and old trees.

Key Facts

Little owl was introduced to England from the Netherlands in 1870s and 1890s
UK breeding population around 5,700 pairs in pastoral farmland and hedgerow landscapes
Smallest British owl, active by day and dusk, often seen on fence posts
Feeds mainly on earthworms and large invertebrates, not primarily small mammals
Has declined significantly in recent decades, now on amber conservation list

Welfare Considerations

Little owl declines relate to agricultural intensification reducing invertebrate prey availability. Loss of old trees with cavities, reduction in permanent pasture, and loss of rough grassland all affect breeding success. Nest box provision has limited benefit without habitat improvement.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes that maintain permanent pasture and rough grassland
Retain old trees and stone walls that provide nest sites for little owls
Record little owl through the BTO little owl survey to contribute to monitoring