Little Owl

Little owls range across much of the Palearctic, from the Atlantic coast eastward to the Sea of Okhotsk, and extend south through the Middle East into northeastern Africa. They favor dry landscapes with open hunting ground, numerous small prey, elevated perches, and nesting cavities. Occupied environments include fields, grasslands, open woodland, steppes, deserts, cliffs, non-wooded mountains, ravines, and buildings. They occur from sea level to about 2,600 meters and weigh between 98 and 350 grams. (Animal Diversity Web)

These opportunistic hunters feed mainly on small rodents, earthworms, and insects, but may also capture birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Hunting occurs primarily at dusk or night from perches, in low flight, or while running and hopping on the ground. Little owls store surplus food in cavities. They breed once annually, usually between February and May. Clutches range from one to twelve eggs, averaging about three, and incubation averages 28 days within a broader range of 18 to 35 days. (Animal Diversity Web)