The Little Owl
Conservation, Ecology and Behavior of Athene Noctua

This is an invaluable synthesis of the substantial literature on the Little Owl, with recommendations for future conservation.

Dries Van Nieuwenhuyse (Author), Jean-Claude Génot (Author), David H. Johnson (Author)

9780521886789, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 18 September 2008

628 pages
25.3 x 17.7 x 3.3 cm, 1.38 kg

'A must have for those with an interest in the little owl or owls in general.' Birdbooker Report (guardian.co.uk)

Our understanding of the basic biology of owls is poor compared to that of other bird species. The Little Owl, Athene noctua, has become one of the best models for biological and conservation research, due to its commonness and the fact that it occupies nest-boxes very easily. In this unique book the authors synthesise the substantial literature, and detail current information regarding the Little Owl. They discuss its wide-ranging ecology, genetics and subspecies and population status by country. In addition, they outline a strategy and monitoring program for its conservation. The book features an outstanding bibliography of literature on the Little Owl, listing publications dated from 1769 to 2007, in many languages, including Russian, English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and Dutch. Whilst being an invaluable resource for academic researchers, its straightforward style holds undoubted appeal for amateurs and enthusiasts.

1. Introduction
2. History and traditions
3. Taxonomy and genetics
4. Morphology and body characteristics
5. Distribution, population estimates and trends
6. Habitat
7. Diet
8. Breeding season
9. Behaviour
10. Population regulation
11. Conservation
12. Research priorities
13. Monitoring plan for the Little Owl
14. Citizen conservation and volunteer work on Little Owls – the past, present and future
15. Literature cited
16. Appendices.

Subject Areas: Birds [ornithology PSVW6], Animal ecology [PSVS], Animal behaviour [PSVP]