Little owl
Athene noctua
A small, plump owl that looks like it's frowning. It's the easiest owl to see in Türkiye. You can even catch it sunbathing on a wall in the daytime.
| Size | 21–23 cm |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 54–58 cm |
| Weight | 140–200 g |
| Diet | Insects, mice, lizards, worms |
| Eggs | 3–5 |
| Where to see it | Villages, ruins, olive groves, open land; all year |
Its brown feathers are full of white spots. The white eyebrows above its yellow eyes give it a serious, slightly angry look. When it senses danger, it bobs its head up and down in a strange dance.
Its Latin name is Athene. That is, the Greek goddess of wisdom, Athena. There is a little owl on ancient Athenian coins. This little bird is the symbol of wisdom.
It spends most of its time on the ground hunting insects. Its legs are longer than other owls', and it can run fast on the ground.
Old walls, tree holes and piles of stones are its home. Protecting old stone buildings in villages means protecting the little owl too.
To draw it in DrawBird
Follow the owl lesson. Make the head round and big, and the eyes yellow. Add white eyebrows above the eyes. Sprinkle white spots over the brown body.
Drawing lesson: How to draw an owl →
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