Little owl

The Little owl (lat. Athene noctua) is a small bird of the Strigidae family. While these birds are often considered beneficial in nature due to rodent control, they can present management challenges in agricultural facilities and storage areas.

Taxonomically belonging to the order Strigiformes, these owls are highly adaptable predators. Their preference for nesting in man-made structures, such as barns and grain storage facilities, can lead to conflicts with agricultural operations that require strict sanitation.

The main form of nuisance caused by the Little owl in agricultural settings is the accumulation of guano, feathers, and prey remains in storage buildings. This contamination can lead to the devaluation of stored crops and non-compliance with health and safety regulations for agricultural commodities.

The biology and lifecycle of Athene noctua are characterized by high site fidelity. They typically breed during the spring season and can return to the same nesting site for many consecutive years if the environment remains undisturbed, making early prevention essential.

Control measures focus on exclusion techniques rather than eradication. To prevent nesting, farmers should secure all potential entry points into sheds and silos with mesh screens. Installing deterrents such as reflective strips or ultrasonic devices can effectively encourage the birds to relocate to natural nesting grounds.