Distribution of the species
Common owl in Paggaio. The local population is smaller than the 2% of the national population (5,000–15,000 pairs). The conservation status of the local population, which is not isolated within its wider distribution range, is considered good. In the study area the species is observed mainly in anthropogenically affected habitats and around them, near settlements, often nesting in old buildings or ruins. It can be observed even within the settlements or moving to and from the agroforestry areas of the lowest altitude in search of food.
Description of the species (biological and ecological features)
The commonest owl of Greece. Small, with sexes alike. Brown with dispersed white streaks and bars. Underparts paler. With a distinctively small and flattened head and bright yellow eyes. Connected with Athena, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge. The sacred bird of the goddess and also of the city of Athens. Hence it has decorated the famous tetradrachm coins of the classical era.
Anthropophilοus species. Permanent resident of Paggaio in open areas, and rural areas with rocks, hedges, sheepfolds, dry stone wals, scattered trees. Rarer in semi-mountainous and mountainous areas. It nests in tree holes, old and abandoned buildings. Nocturnal, but also active during the day. It is often observed sitting on roofs, wires, yards, ruins, from where it locates its prey. It feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects, earthworms but also on vertebrates such as amphibians, small reptiles, small birds, and small mammals. It usually swallows its prey whole and excretes the indigestible parts – hairs, feathers, bones – in the form of pellets.
The main threats for the species are the removal of mature trees and the restoration of old buildings or their renovation, thus reducing the availability of nest sites. Also, the use of pesticides and the illegal use of poisoned baits to control “small mammal pests” as well as the intensification of agriculture, combined with the abandonment of traditional agricultural practices and land uses, have a serious negative impact on the populations of the species.
Conservation status
Least Concern.
Conservation state
Protected under the Bern Convention (Appendix II). Listed as Least Concern in Greece and in Europe, by the Greek Red Data Book and the IUCN correspondingly. Not included in a SPEC category (European species of conservation concern) by BirdLife International. Also protected under the CITES Convention (Appendix II) and assigned to SPEC3 category (European species of conservation concern) by BirdLife International.