Taxonomy
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Birds
Order: Strigiformes
Family: Strigidae
Genre: Athene
Species: Athene noctua
Conservation Status of the Species in Portugal and Worldwide
Portugal
World
Features and
Habits
In terms of size, it has a length between 21 and 23 cm and a wingspan of 54 to 58 cm, being one of the smallest members of its family. It has brown plumage with white spots all over its body, large yellowish eyes, and short, rounded wings suitable for short flights. It lives between 10 and 15 years.
They are generally solitary except during the breeding season. Although this owl is primarily nocturnal, it also has crepuscular habits, preferring to hunt at this time. It hunts from perches, nets, walls, and rooftops, observing the ground in search of prey, and swooping down directly on it with precision. Its flight is fast, short, and silent, more suited to ambushes than pursuit. It is an opportunistic hunter and strictly carnivorous, feeding on practically anything from small mammals, insects, birds, reptiles, and amphibians; however, its main food source is rats and insects. It reproduces around April and June. They nest in tree cavities or cracks in buildings and walls. They also reuse abandoned nests. The female lays between 3 and 5 eggs, which she incubates for about 1 month. After the chicks hatch, both parents feed them for 4 to 5 weeks. At the end of this period, they learn to fly and leave the nest. They become independent a few weeks later.
In terms of interaction with humans, they are quite accustomed to human presence, as they take advantage of shelter and food from rural areas. This is beneficial to cultivated areas, as it serves as pest control.
Habitat and Distribution
Its habitat is primarily in wide, open, lightly wooded areas, and agricultural zones such as olive groves, vineyards, orchards, and vegetable gardens. It is also frequently observed in rural areas, especially ruins, which it uses as shelter or nesting sites. It prefers temperate and dry climates. It avoids dense forest areas, humid zones, and urban areas.
It is a common resident bird, found in Portugal throughout the year, across the entire country; however, it is less common in the north of the country, especially in mountainous areas. The locations with the most recorded sightings are in the Alentejo region, particularly between Mértola and Castro Verde, and in the Algarve throughout the region, especially in Tavira and Alvor. The Tagus estuary, although not the most typical habitat for this species, also has many sightings.
Places where I have photographed this species so far.
All Photographs Taken
