Civetta Athene noctua

The wisest animal

Small, elegant, incredibly curious, sacred to Athena - the Greek goddess of wisdom - the owl is a constant presence in rural areas. 
Its call is unmistakable: insistent, shrill, high-pitched, audible at night as well as during the day… Yes, because the owl – a nocturnal bird of prey – can also be active during the day... You might see it perched on a pole or a low branch, its two large yellow eyes watching you questioningly.

But night is its kingdom: from its perch, it observes everything, waiting for insects, small rodents, reptiles and amphibians to prey on. It can swallow its prey whole. The parts that cannot be digested - insect cuticles, hair, feathers, teeth, bones - are regurgitated in the form of pellets.  

The little owl is monogamous and territorial: the presence of a stable pair indicates a habitat rich in prey and safe. At the age of one month or so – when they have not yet learned to fly – the chicks leave the nest and are fed on the ground.
If you find an owl chick on the ground, leave it there... its parents will soon come to feed it!

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