Little Owl1.jpg — Little Owl

You are most likely to spot a Little Owl during the day while it's out hunting, or sitting on a high perch sunning itself.

The Little Owl was introduced into New Zealand around 1906 in response to the problems the finches and the sparrows were causing in the orchards of the South Island. The Little Owl was of little help as it much preferred to eat spiders and insects instead. Today it is established in the eastern South Island.

This small plump owl is brown and grey with streaks and spots of white.

What does the Little Owl Eat?

Although the Little Owl was brought to New Zealand to help control small birds it actually doesn’t hunt them. Its main source of food is insects, spiders or small animals such as mice, frogs and lizards and can be seen chasing them down by running after them.

A good way to support the Little Owl is to support the insect life in your area and help secure a good natural food source for them.