Athene

These small owls are found across a range of habitats worldwide, including much of Europe, Asia, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East. Notably, the genus Athene includes species that display a variety of behavioral adaptations, with some members active at night (nocturnal) and others during the day (diurnal).

Athene owls are characterized by their small size, typically about 23 centimeters (9 inches) in length, with long legs that make them agile hunters on the ground as well as in flight. They have distinctive facial features, with bright yellow eyes and a stern appearance, set against a background of speckled plumage that provides excellent camouflage in their typically scrubby or rocky habitats.

Their cryptic plumage allows them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings, making them difficult to spot when they are perched silently on a branch or nestled in a tree cavity during the day. At dusk or dawn, depending on the species, they emerge to hunt a variety of prey, including insects, worms, small mammals, and sometimes small birds. Their hunting technique is one of patience and precision; they watch from a perch with keen eyesight and swoop down silently to capture their prey with sharp talons.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Athene owls is their nesting behavior. They are known to utilize a variety of sites, from natural tree cavities and rock crevices to abandoned burrows made by other animals. Some species, like the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia), are ground-dwellers and have adapted to life in open habitats where they make their homes in burrows.

The courtship of Athene owls can involve vocal duets, mutual preening, and food exchanges. These owls are generally monogamous and both parents participate in raising the young. The female typically incubates the eggs while the male provides food, and both are involved in feeding the chicks once they hatch.