©
© Ruedi Aeschlimann
Conservation programme for birds in Switzerland - Priority species
Little Owl
The Little Owl inhabits structurally diverse agricultural landscapes with standard orchards, mature trees, buildings with lots of crevices and extensively used meadows and pastures. It hunts in open, short-grassland areas with numerous structural elements such as isolated bushes, piles of branches/stones and fence posts for perches. Typical habitats are a patchwork of overgrown vegetation providing shelter for prey and open areas for hunting. In Switzerland, it lives in low-lying areas up to 600 m asl in the border regions of Geneva, the "Three-Country Corner" area near Basel, Ticino, Ajoie (JU) and the Three Lakes region. Extensively managed structurally diverse agricultural landscapes with old trees and nest cavities are crucial for the protection and conservation of the Little Owl.
Distribution and development
Schematic distribution
Schematic distribution during the breeding season (ochre), in winter time (dotted in blue) or during migration periods (dotted in vinaceous).
Breeding bird index
The graph shows the relative evolution of the breeding population in Switzerland (100 = mean value). Example: A value of 130 means that the population in the corresponding year was 30% above the mean value of the entire period considered.
Habitat and food
©
© Nadine Apolloni
Structurally diverse and varied agricultural landscapes dotted with standard fruit trees.
©
© Christa Glauser
Standard fruit trees in extensively managed meadows provide an ideal habitat for the Little Owl.
Conservation programme for birds in Switzerland - Priority species
Little Owl
The Little Owl inhabits structurally diverse agricultural landscapes with standard orchards, mature trees, buildings with lots of crevices and extensively used meadows and pastures. It hunts in open, short-grassland areas with numerous structural elements such as isolated bushes, piles of branches/stones and fence posts for perches. Typical habitats are a patchwork of overgrown vegetation providing shelter for prey and open areas for hunting. In Switzerland, it lives in low-lying areas up to 600 m asl in the border regions of Geneva, the "Three-Country Corner" area near Basel, Ticino, Ajoie (JU) and the Three Lakes region. Extensively managed structurally diverse agricultural landscapes with old trees and nest cavities are crucial for the protection and conservation of the Little Owl.
Birds of Switzerland
Little Owl
To the species profile in the bird database
Project managers
Threats, activities and forecasts
Limiting factors and threats
Threats to the Little Owl include the expansion of urban areas and the accompanying loss of traditional standard orchards, the loss of nest cavities and the shortage of structurally diverse areas with low vegetation and of agricultural landscapes subdivided into a patchwork of small plots.
Breeding season
- A shortage of perches and of structurally diverse areas reduces the food supply and makes access to prey difficult.
- Cold wet weather (May–July) reduces breeding success.
- Lack of safe nest cavities and hideaways increases breeding losses and young bird mortality.
Migration/ Winter
- Snowy winters with continuous snow cover reduce prey availability.
Necessary activities
Monitoring
- Annual survey of populations in all regions where the Little Owl occurs.
- Review of the success of measures through local monitoring of the number of breeding pairs and of breeding success.
- Local ringing projects.
Conservation
- Protecting existing nesting sites in order to safeguard them.
- Improving the quality of habitats.
- Creating prey-rich areas close to breeding sites.
- Preserving and restoring standard orchards and individual trees in extensively managed meadows with small structures.
- Staggered mowing.
- Installing marten-proof nest tubes.
Research
- Lack of long-term studies on the effectiveness of nest box programmes and habitat management.
- Need to develop and evaluate practical measures for different habitat types.
Prospects for success and prognostics
- Numbers in Switzerland are increasing slightly.
- The preservation and improvement of inhabited sites and the networking and improvement of suitable habitats are crucial for population growth.
- Protection measures, conservation of nest cavities (including use of nesting aids) and habitat improvement all help.
- However, the spread of human settlement, the loss of structures and food shortages all remain challenges.
Conservation measures and stakeholders
Preserve/promote traditional orchards
Traditional orchards with extensive understorey management are an important habitat for the Little Owl.
Agriculture
Municipalities
Private individuals
Take nesting sites into consideration in construction projects
In construction projects, account must be taken of known Little Owl nesting sites.
Agriculture
Cantons
Municipalities
Planners and architects
Private individuals
Offer and maintain nesting aids
The installation and maintenance of nest boxes compensates for the lack of natural nesting opportunities.
Agriculture
Municipalities
Nature conservation
Private individuals
Create ecological compensation areas
Fallow areas and extensively managed meadows and pastures increase the food supply.
Agriculture
Staggered mowing
Staggered mowing creates a mosaic of short and tall vegetation and optimises food accessibility and supply.
Agriculture
Cantons
Municipalities
Promote small structures
Small structures such as piles of branches and stones, areas of open ground, path edges and field margins increase the food supply.
Agriculture
Municipalities
Nature conservation
Parcs
Private individuals
Publications
©
© Ruedi Aeschlimann
Birds of Switzerland
Little Owl
In our country, the Little Owl has lived in the immediate vicinity of man for hundreds of years, often as a lodger in barns and ruins. In the rural population, it used to be regarded as the “death bird” because of its mysterious, nocturnal calls. With the ancient Greeks, it was the symbol of the Goddess Athena, which manifests itself in its scientific name. Due to the decrease of ext...
To the species profile in the bird database
