2026 is the Year of the Little Owl

2026 has been declared the Year of the Little Owl by Vogelbescherming Nederland, Sovon bird research, and the national Little Owl working group Stone. The goal is to generate extra attention and action for this small, recognizable owl species, which has declined significantly in numbers and distribution over the past decades. In the first half of the 20th century, the Little Owl bred almost everywhere in the Netherlands, with the exception of the Wadden Islands. In the 50s, the population was still estimated at approximately 25.000 pairs; recent estimates (2018-2020) put the number at roughly 8000-9500 pairs. The decline is primarily linked to the scaling up and intensification of agriculture: the Little Owl requires a small-scale agricultural landscape.

little owl

The Little Owl (Athene noctua) is a small, stocky owl with yellow eyes and white eyebrow stripes. The Little Owl is a small, stocky owl, approximately 21 to 27 cm long with a wingspan of about 55 cm. The upper side is brownish-grey, densely white-spotted and striped. The underside is light grey with broad dark stripes. The Little Owl has an indistinct veil and a flattened, broad head with yellow eyes. In flight, the upper side displays white, teardrop-shaped spots. The wings are short and rounded. The tail is short. The flight is undulating, like that of a woodpecker. After the Pygmy Owl, the Little Owl is the smallest owl in the Benelux. The male weighs about 180 grams, the female 200 grams.

 

Significantly decreased

In the first half of the twentieth century, the little owl was a common breeding bird in the Netherlands, absent only from the Wadden Islands. Since then, both the distribution and the number of little owls have declined sharply. In the 1950s, the population was still estimated at 25.000 pairs, while the most recent estimate (2018-2020) puts the number at 8000 to 9500 pairs. [/ One_half] [one_half_last]               This decline is entirely due to the intensification of agriculture. The Little Owl is tied to small-scale, semi-open agricultural landscapes. As a result, it is currently found primarily in regions where this type of cultural landscape is still relatively common, such as the Achterhoek, Twente, parts of North Brabant, and the river area. Since the turn of the century, the decline in numbers has reversed: over the period 1990–2024, the trend has been stable. Recently (from 2012), there has even been a moderate increase, with an annual population growth of 0,9 percent.  

Difference between sand and clay

However, nuances are hidden behind this increase. On the more easterly sandy soils of our country – where most Little Owls breed – the Little Owl actually fares better than on the clay soils. Over the past twelve years, the Little Owl population 'on sand' has increased by 1,8 percent per year, while the population 'on clay' has decreased by 3,6 percent per year during the same period. Therefore, in 2026, we will investigate the differences between Little Owls on sandy and clay soil and their survival in more detail. We will link the results to the latest findings from STONE's research into the reproduction of Little Owls and to a new so-called population model that shows which factors influence the development of the Dutch Little Owl population. In addition, STONE is continuing its research into the difference in food availability on sandy and clay soils in the Netherlands. All of this should lead to a better understanding of how the Little Owl can best be helped.  

Improved habitat

Furthermore, we are working on an updated Farm Guide, containing the latest information on how to design a farmyard so that Little Owls benefit from it. A manual for property developers is also forthcoming, offering advice on how to deal with Little Owls in development plans. Vogelbescherming is also going to establish a Little Owl Fund. This fund will focus on supporting parties in making their land more suitable as habitat for Little Owls.

 

Use of the Little Owl

The Owl of Athens was usually depicted as a Little Owl, as for example on ancient Athenian coins from the fifth century BC. From 1993 to 2002, the image of the little owl adorned the last designed 100-guilder banknote. The Little Owl is part of the Ornamental Series, a series of banknotes designed by Jaap Drupsteen, all characterized by their abstract composition. In addition to the Little Owl, the Ornamental Series consists of the 10 guilder 1997 Kingfisher, 25 guilder 1989 Robin, and 1000 guilder 1994 Lapwing banknotes. This is the first Dutch banknote to be additionally secured against color copying through gloss effects such as foil, metallic ink, and pearlescent planchettes. The obverse shows a grid of 100 circular figures superimposed on a large circle and the value numeral '100' in brown. The reverse shows a grid of 100 circular figures superimposed on a large circle in brown. Also distinctive about this banknote is the dotted relief as a distinguishing feature for the visually impaired. The scurrying field mouse and the silent little owl. But where is the Little Owl actually on the banknote? It is incorporated into the watermark. From there, it keeps an eye on its prey: the field mouse. We find this small rodent in the transparent register. These naturalistic authenticity features are also immortalized in a poem – also an authenticity feature – by C. Budding from 1968. “Who else but he makes such a home among everything that scurrys and slips through the night: silently flapping on downy wings, with claws like snapping daggers.” Source: Vogelbescherming, Vroege Vogels, Sovon.  

<strong> More info: </strong>

Bird Protection: https://www.vogelbescherming.nl/actueel/bericht/2026-wordt-het-jaar-van-de-steenuil Sovon: https://sovon.nl/tellen/telprojecten/jaar-van-de-steenuil Early Birds (with video and audio clips): https://www.bnnvara.nl/vroegevogels/artikelen/dit-is-het-jaar-van-de-steenuil