Algeria: Small Owl in the Atlas Mountains Foothills

Driving through the Atlas Mountain foothills in eastern Algeria we came across an owl in the middle of the day. It was unmistakably an owl, albeit a rather small one. Turns out it’s a species endemic to northern Algeria (and broader Mediterranean) – Little Owl aka Athene Noctua. They are small in size, typically about 20-22 cm in length with brownish-grey plumage with white spots and streaks, and large yellow eyes. They live in open landscapes and areas with scattered trees or rocky outcrops. Unlike many other owl species, the Little Owl is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day.It hunts primarily during dawn and dusk but can also be seen hunting during the day, especially in overcast weather. They feed on a variety of prey, including insects, small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
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