The Little Owl or German Owl Athene noctua owl was introduced into New Zealand from Germany by the Otago Acclimatisation Society between 1906 and 1910 and is now widespread in farmland and towns in Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, Otago and Southland. They live in hedgerows and clumps of trees, haysheds and other farm buildings. Although introduced to control small birds that had become orchard pests, their diet consists mainly of insects, spiders and earthworms, together with a few small birds, frogs, lizards, mice and rabbits. They may be seen by day as well as by night.
In ancient Greek mythology, the little owl was the bird favored by Athena, the virgin goddess of arts, crafts and war.
It has a flatter head and shorter tail than the Morepork. This photo was taken at the Otorohanga Kiwi House Zoo.
© 2010 David Comings Contact Me