Stripe-breasted woodpecker

Indian birds   ›   Malabar (Crimson-throated) barbet images   ›   Stripe-breasted woodpecker - Dendrocopos atratus

The stripe-breasted woodpecker (Dendrocopos atratus) belongs to the family of piculets and woodpeckers, the Picidae.

The stripe-breasted woodpecker species is distributed in India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and China. These woodpecker species have high forest dependence. These woodpeckers are monotypic species.

Overview & Quick Facts	Description & Identification
Pictures of Stripe-breasted Woodpecker	Distribution & Range
Ecosystem & Habitat	Diet & Feeding Behavior
Breeding Habits	Migration & Movement Patterns
Conservation & Survival	IUCN Status
Taxonomy & Classification	Bird World

Appearance, physical description and identification

The stripe-breasted woodpecker (Dendrocopos atratus) is a small bird, measuring 20 to 22 cm in length and weighing 40 to 50 grams. These species are sexually dimorphic.

The upperparts of the stripe-breasted woodpecker are black. The back, wings and the rump are heavily barred with white. The uppertail is black and the outer feathers have white marking. The crown and nape of the male are red whereas in the female these parts are black.

The face is whitish and a black stripe from the base of the bill extend down to the side of the neck. The throat, breast and belly are dirty white and are boldly streaked with brown and black. The undertail coverts are red.

The bill is steel gray. The irises are dark brown. There is a gray eye-ring. The legs and feet are dark gray. The call of these woodpecker species is a whinnying "tchick" sound and they also make explosive drumming sound.

1.Birds of India - Image of Stripe-breasted woodpecker - Dendrocopos atratus by Jason Thompson

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2.Indian birds - Picture of Stripe-breasted woodpecker - Dendrocopos atratus by Jason Thompson

3.Birds of India - Photo of Stripe-breasted woodpecker - Dendrocopos atratus by Dave Curtis

Origin, geographical range and distribution

The stripe-breasted woodpecker species are distributed in the northeast India, central Bhutan, eastern and western Myanmar, northern Thailand, central and northern Laos and central Vietnam.

In India, these woodpecker species are distributed in the states of West Bengal (north), Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura and Mizoram.

The Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA) of the stripe-breasted woodpecker species in Laos are, Phou Ahyon, Dakchung Plateau, Nam Xam, Nakai-Nam Theun, Nam Ha and Nam Et.

Ecosystem and habitat

These stripe-breasted woodpecker species have high forest dependence. They normally occur in altitudes from 800 to 2200 meters.

The artificial ecosystems and habitats of these woodpecker species include cultivated lands, rural gardens and heavily degraded tropical and subtropical forests.

The natural ecosystems and habitats of these stripe-breasted woodpecker species include, evergreen forests, forest edges, tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, tropical and subtropical moist montane forests, pine and oak forests and dry grasslands.

Diet and feeding behavior

The diet of this stripe-breasted woodpecker consists mainly of insects. Beetles, ants and insect larvae are their primary food. These woodpeckers forage mostly at middle to upper levels of the canopy.

Reproduction and breeding habits

The breeding season of these stripe-breasted woodpecker species is from March to May in India. The laying season is during April and May in Myanmar. In Laos and Vietnam, the breeding season is from February to May.

The nesting sites are the holes excavated by the breeding pairs in stumps or trees. These stripe-breasted woodpecker species are monogamous and highly territorial. The clutch usually contains four to five eggs. Both the parents incubate the eggs.

Migration and movement patterns

These stripe-breasted woodpecker species are non-migrant, resident birds. They disperse locally after breeding. The populations in higher altitudes descend to the lower levels in winter.

Post breeding, the juvenile woodpeckers may disperse and establish in new locations within the range. Within their range they may make local movements for feeding and breeding.

Stripe-breasted woodpecker - Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Dendrocopos atratus
• Species author: (Blyth, 1849)
• Synonyms/Protonym: Dryobates atratus Blyth, 1849
• Family: Picidae › Piciformes › Aves › Chordata › Animalia
• Vernacular names: English: Stripe-breasted woodpecker, Chinese: 纹胸啄木鸟, French: Pic à poitrine rayée, German: Streifenbrustspecht, Spanish: Pico estriado, Russian: Пестрогрудый дятел, Japanese: ムナフアカゲラ
• Other names: Stripe-breasted Pied Woodpecker
• Distribution: India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, China
• Diet and feeding habits: insects, insect larvae
• IUCN status listing: Least Concern (LC)

Conservation and survival

The global population size of the stripe-breasted woodpecker (Dendrocopos atratus) has not been quantified. The overall population trend of the species is considered to be stable.

In most of its range, this woodpecker species is reported to be uncommon to rare. The generation length is 5.2 years. Its distribution size is about 1,330,000 sq.km.

Habitat alteration and destruction, deforestation and capture of adults and juveniles for pet-trade are the main threats that are endangering the survival of these woodpecker species.

IUCN and CITES status

The stripe-breasted woodpecker (Dendrocopos atratus) does not approach the thresholds for being Vulnerable either under the range size criterion, or under the population trend criterion or under the population size criterion.

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has categorized and evaluated the woodpecker species and has listed it as of "Least Concern".

The CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) status is ‘Not Evaluated’ for stripe-breasted woodpecker (Dendrocopos atratus).

Taxonomy and scientific classification of Dendrocopos atratus
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Piciformes
Family:	Picidae
Subfamily:	-
Genus:	Dendrocopos
Species:	D. atratus
Binomial name:	Dendrocopos atratus
IUCN status listing:	Least Concern

The stripe-breasted woodpecker (Dendrocopos atratus) is closely related to fulvous-breasted woodpecker (Dendrocopos macei).

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1.Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Stripe-breasted_Woodpecker.jpg (cropped)
Image author: Jason Thompson | License: CC BY 2.0 as on 1/30/18
2.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/79492850@N00/8487649969/ (cropped)
Image author: Jason Thompson | License: CC BY 2.0 as on 1/30/18
3.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/davethebird/15927543054/
Image author: Dave Curtis | License: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 as on 1/30/18
Current topic in Birds of India: Stripe-breasted woodpecker - Dendrocopos atratus.

Malabar (Crimson-throated) barbet images

Indian birds   ›   Malabar (Crimson-throated) barbet   ›   Malabar (Crimson-throated) barbet - Psilopogon malabaricus images
Taxonomic classification   <>   Photos
The Malabar (crimson-throated) barbet (Psilopogon malabaricus) belongs to the family Megalaimidae under the order Piciformes.

Malabar barbet taxonomy

The family Megalaimidae was first described by Edward Blyth (23 December 1810 – 27 December 1873), an English zoologist, in the year 1852.

The family Megalaimidae, earlier comprised genera Caloramphus, Megalaima and Psilopogon. Since Megalaima and Psilopogon appear similar, these genera were clubbed together. As genus Psilopogon was described and erected earlier than Megalaima, all the species were brought under Psilopogon.

The Megalaimidae comprises subfamily Megalaiminae and subfamily Caloramphinae. The subfamily Megalaiminae is monotypic and comprises genus Psilopogon. The subfamily Caloramphinae is again monotypic and comprises genus Caloramphus.

The genus Psilopogon is classified into 32 species. The species Psilopogon malabaricus was first introduced (as Bucco malabaricus) by Edward Blyth in the year 1847.

Taxonomic classification
Binomial name:	Psilopogon malabaricus
Species:	P. malabaricus
Genus:	Psilopogon
Subfamily:	-
Family:	Megalaimidae
Order:	Piciformes
Class:	Aves
Phylum:	Chordata
Kingdom:	Animalia

1.Malabar barbet - Psilopogon malabaricus
Image by Nanda ramesh

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2.Malabar barbet - Psilopogon malabaricus
Image by T r i v

3.Malabar barbet - Psilopogon malabaricus
Image by T. R. Shankar Raman

4.Malabar barbet - Psilopogon malabaricus
Image by Sandeep Gangadharan

5.Malabar barbet - Psilopogon malabaricus
Image by Sandeep Gangadharan

6.Psilopogon malabaricus
Image by T. R. Shankar Raman

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1.Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Malabar_Barbet_(Psilopogon_malabaricus)_-_Male_-_Sakleshpur_-_India_-2009.jpg (cropped)
Image author: Nanda ramesh | License: CC BY-SA 3.0
2.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/trivenia/32506202201/ (cropped)
Author: T r i v | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 as on 1/28/18
3.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MalabarBarbet_DSC9669.jpg (cropped)
Image author: T. R. Shankar Raman | License: CC BY-SA 3.0
4.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sandeepak/4402064745/ (cropped)
Author: Sandeep Gangadharan | License: CC BY 2.0 as on 1/28/18
5.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sandeepak/4465358679/ (cropped)
Author: Sandeep Gangadharan | License: CC BY 2.0 as on 1/28/18
6.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Malabar_Barbet_DSCN8039.jpg (cropped)
Image author: T. R. Shankar Raman | License: CC BY-SA 4.0

Updated Nov 26, 2018
Current topic in Birds of India: Malabar (Crimson-throated) barbet - Psilopogon malabaricus images.

Malabar (Crimson-throated) barbet

Indian birds   ›   Little owl photos   ›   Malabar (Crimson-throated) barbet - Psilopogon malabaricus

The Malabar (crimson-throated) barbet (Psilopogon malabaricus) belongs to the family of Asian barbets, the Megalaimidae.

The Malabar barbet species is endemic to the Western Ghats in South India. These barbet species nest in holes excavated on the underside of tree branches. These barbets are monotypic species.

Overview & Quick Facts	Description & Identification
Pictures of Malabar Barbet	Distribution & Range
Ecosystem & Habitat	Diet & Feeding Behavior
Breeding Habits	Migration & Movement Patterns
Conservation & Survival	IUCN Status
Taxonomy & Classification	Bird World

Appearance, physical description and identification

The Malabar barbet (Psilopogon malabaricus) is a small Asian barbet, measuring 15 to 17 cm in length and weighing 35 to 40 grams.

The Malabar barbet has overall green plumage. The upperparts are dark green and the underparts are pale bluish or yellowish green. The forehead, face, chin and upper throat are red. There is a black eye stripe.

The crown is black. The sides of the neck have blue patches. The hinderneck and upper breast have yellowish orange patch. The undertail coverts are very pale green. The undertail is grayish.

The bill is dark gray. The irises are dark brown. There is a gray eye-ring. The legs and feet are reddish. The call of these barbet species is a metallic "tuk…tuk…tuk" sound.

1.Birds of India - Image of Malabar barbet - Psilopogon malabaricus by T r i v

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2.Indian birds - Picture of Malabar barbet - Psilopogon malabaricus by Nanda ramesh

3.Birds of India - Photo of Malabar barbet - Psilopogon malabaricus by T. R. Shankar Raman

Origin, geographical range and distribution

The Malabar barbet species are endemic to Western Ghats in South India. They are distributed in the states of Maharashtra (south), Goa, Karnataka (west), Kerala and Tamil Nadu (west).

Ecosystem and habitat

These Malabar barbet species have moderate forest dependence. They normally occur in altitudes from 0 to 1300 meters. The artificial ecosystems and habitats of these barbet species include cultivated lands, rural gardens, plantations, orchards and coffee estates.

The natural ecosystems and habitats of these species include, evergreen forests, forest edges, tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, wetlands, rivers, streams and creeks.

Diet and feeding behavior

The diet of this Malabar barbet consists mainly of fruits. Wild fruits, plantation fruits, berries, coffee berries and figs are their primary food. These barbets are known to feed on grubs, small insects and larvae, airborne ants and flying termites.

Reproduction and breeding habits

The breeding season of these Malabar barbet species is from December to May in most of their range. The nesting sites are the holes in tree branches excavated by the breeding pairs. Nearly 50% of the pairs raise second brood after the first brood has fledged.

These species are monogamous and highly territorial. The clutch usually contains two white eggs. The parents incubate the eggs. The chicks hatch out after 14-15 days of incubation. The chicks are initially fed with insects. They fledge in about 35 days.

Migration and movement patterns

These Malabar barbet species are non-migrant, resident birds. They disperse locally after breeding. The populations in higher altitudes descend to the lower levels in winter.

Post breeding, the juveniles may disperse and establish in new locations within the range. Within their range they may make local movements for feeding and breeding.

Malabar barbet - Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Psilopogon malabaricus
• Species author: (Blyth, 1847)
• Synonyms/Protonym: Bucco malabaricus Blyth, 1847
• Family: Megalaimidae › Piciformes › Aves › Chordata › Animalia
• Vernacular names: English: Malabar barbet, Chinese: 马拉巴拟啄木鸟, French: Barbu de Malabar, German: Malabar-Schmiedbartvogel, Spanish: Barbudo malabar, Russian: Crimson-throated barbet, Japanese: マラバルゴシキドリ, Malayalam: ആൽക്കിളി
• Other names: Crimson-throated barbet
• Distribution: endemic to Western Ghats, India
• Diet and feeding habits: fruits, berries, figs, grubs, airborne ants and termites
• IUCN status listing: Least Concern (LC)

Conservation and survival

The global population size of the Malabar barbet (Psilopogon malabaricus) has not been quantified. The overall population trend of the species is considered to be decreasing.

In most of its range, this species is reported to be locally common. The generation length is 8.5 years. Its distribution size is about 149,000 sq.km.

Habitat alteration and destruction, felling of trees suitable for nesting holes, predation of eggs and hatchlings by large birds and rodents are the main threats that are endangering the survival of these barbet species.

IUCN and CITES status

The Malabar barbet (Psilopogon malabaricus) does not approach the thresholds for being Vulnerable either under the range size criterion, or under the population trend criterion or under the population size criterion.

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has categorized and evaluated the species and has listed it as of "Least Concern".

The CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) status is ‘Not Evaluated’ for Malabar barbet (Psilopogon malabaricus).

Taxonomy and scientific classification of Psilopogon malabaricus
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Piciformes
Family:	Megalaimidae
Subfamily:	-
Genus:	Psilopogon
Species:	P. malabaricus
Binomial name:	Psilopogon malabaricus
IUCN status listing:	Least Concern

The Malabar barbet (Psilopogon malabaricus) is closely related to the crimson-fronted barbet (Psilopogon rubricapillus) and the coppersmith barbet (Psilopogon haemacephala).

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1.Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/trivenia/32506202201/ (cropped)
Image author: T r i v | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 as on 1/28/18
2.Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Malabar_Barbet_(Psilopogon_malabaricus)_-_Male_-_Sakleshpur_-_India_-2009.jpg (cropped)
Image author: Nanda ramesh | License: CC BY-SA 3.0
3.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MalabarBarbet_DSC9669.jpg (cropped)
Image author: T. R. Shankar Raman | License: CC BY-SA 3.0

Updated Nov 26, 2018
Current topic in Birds of India: Malabar (Crimson-throated) barbet - Psilopogon malabaricus.

Little owl photos

Indian birds   ›   Little owl   ›   Little owl - Athene noctua photos
Taxonomic classification   <>   Photos
The little owl (Athene noctua) belongs to the family Strigidae under the order Strigiformes.

Little owl taxonomy

The Strigidae was first introduced by William Elford Leach, MD, FRS (2 February 1791 – 25 August 1836), an English zoologist and marine biologist, in a guide to the contents of the British Museum published in 1820.

The family Strigidae comprises nearly 220 extant species grouped in 25 genera (including genus Athene). The genus Athene comprises four living species (Athene brama, Athene noctua, Athene blewitti and Athene cunicularia) and several extinct species.

The genus Athene was first introduced by Friedrich Boie (4 June 1789 – 3 March 1870), a German entomologist, herpetologist, ornithologist and lawyer, in the year 1822.

The species Athene noctua was first described (as Strix noctua) by Giovanni Antonio Scopoli (3 June 1723 – 8 May 1788), an Italian physician and naturalist, in the year 1769. The species A. noctua is polytypic and comprises 13 subspecies.

Taxonomic classification
Binomial name:	Athene noctua
Species:	A. noctua
Genus:	Athene
Subfamily:	-
Family:	Strigidae
Order:	Strigiformes
Class:	Aves
Phylum:	Chordata
Kingdom:	Animalia

1.Little owl - Athene noctua 303
Photo by Airwolfhound

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2.Little owl - Athene noctua
Photo by Trebol-a

3.Little owl - Athene noctua
Photo by Andy Morffew

4.Little owl - Athene noctua
Photo by chausinho

5.Little owl - Athene noctua
Photo by Karen Arnold

6.Little owl - Athene noctua
Photo by Tony Hisgett

7.Little owl - Athene noctua
Photo by Zeynel Cebeci

8.Little owl Athene noctua juvenile
Photo by Andy Morffew

9.Athene noctua egg
Photo by Klaus Rassinger und Gerhard Cammerer

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1.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Little_Owl_(25705930704).jpg (cropped)
Author: Airwolfhound | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 as on 1/26/18
2.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Athene_noctua_(portrait).jpg (cropped)
Author: Trebol-a | License: CC BY-SA 3.0
3.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Posing_(19312516733).jpg (cropped)
Author: Andy Morffew | License: CC BY 2.0 as on 1/26/18
4.Photo source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mochuelo_Com%C3%BAn_(_Athene_noctua_)(1).jpg (cropped)
Author: chausinho | License: CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 as on 1/26/18
5.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:GmicOriginaleule.jpg (cropped)
Author: Karen Arnold | License: Public domain as on 1/27/18
6.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Athene_noctua_-captive-8a.jpg (cropped)
Author: Tony Hisgett | License: CC BY 2.0 as on 1/26/18
7.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Athene_noctua_-_Little_owl_02.jpg (cropped)
Author: Zeynel Cebeci | License: CC BY-SA 4.0
8.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:This_is_my_hardest_stare!!!!_(18925277159).jpg (cropped)
Author: Andy Morffew | License: CC BY 2.0 as on 1/26/18
9.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Athene_noctua_MWNH_0653.JPG (cropped)
Author: Klaus Rassinger und Gerhard Cammerer | License: CC BY-SA 3.0
Current topic in Birds of India: Little owl - Athene noctua photos.

Little owl

Indian birds   ›   Ashy-headed green pigeon   ›   Little owl - Athene noctua

The little owl (Athene noctua) belongs to the family of owls and owlets, the Strigidae.

The little owl species is distributed in the west and central Europe, Mediterranean region, north Africa, west and central Asia, northern India, China, Mongolia, southern and eastern Russia. These owl species have been been introduced to New Zealand and the United Kingdom. These owls are polytypic species.

Overview & Quick Facts	Description & Identification
Pictures of Little Owl	Distribution & Range
Ecosystem & Habitat	Diet & Feeding Behavior
Breeding Habits	Migration & Movement Patterns
Conservation & Survival	IUCN Status
Taxonomy & Classification	Bird World

Appearance, physical description and identification

The little owl (Athene noctua) is a small owl, measuring 20 to 25 cm in length and weighing 160 to 200 grams. The wingspan is 55 to 60 cm.

The little owl has flat crown, plump body and short tail. The upperparts are grayish brown and are spotted and streaked white. The underparts are pale and are streaked brown or grayish brown.

The head is large and the facial disc is prominent. The white feathers surrounding the eyes impart a frowning expression. The bill is pale yellow. The irises are bright yellow. The legs are long. The call of these owl species is a whining "kiew..kiew" sound.

1.Birds of India - Image of Little owl - Athene noctua by Trebol-a

2.Indian birds - Picture of Little owl - Athene noctua by Andy Morffew

3.Birds of India - Photo of Little owl - Athene noctua by Airwolfhound

Origin, geographical range and distribution

The little owl species are distributed in the west and central Europe, Mediterranean region, north Africa, west and central Asia, northern India, China, Mongolia, southern and eastern Russia.

In India, these little owls are distributed in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

These owl species have been introduced to New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Well established feral populations are found in these two countries.

The Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA) of the little owl species in Bulgaria are, Kamchiyska Mountain, Western Strandzha, Ludogorie and Western Balkan. The IBA in France are, Crau and Plateau de Valensole. The IBA in Italy is Mount Cervati.

The IBA of the little owl in Greece are, Thessaly plain, Southern Mani, Mount Sanghias, Cape Tenaro, Mounts Dias, Mavrovouni and Koronos, Central Rodos, Mesanagros, Katavia-Prassonisi, Antikhassia mountains and Meteora. The IBA in Spain is Mountains of Barcelona.

Ecosystem and habitat

These little owl species do not normally occur in forests. They normally occur in altitudes from 0 to 2600 meters. The artificial ecosystems and habitats of these owl species include cultivated lands, pasturelands, rural gardens, plantations, orchards and urban areas.

The natural ecosystems and habitats of these little owl species include, boreal shrublands, dry savanna, temperate grasslands, tropical and subtropical shrublands, open countryside and semi-deserts.

Diet and feeding behavior

The diet of this little owl consists mainly of small vertebrates. Small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, large insects and earthworms are their primary food. These owls mostly perch on elevated positions and swoop down on the prey. They hide surplus food in tree holes.

Reproduction and breeding habits

The breeding season of these little owl species is from March to August in most of their ranges. The nesting sites are usually cavities in trees and also holes in walls and buildings. The cavity is cleaned before laying eggs. They readily accept nest boxes for laying eggs.

These little owl species are monogamous and highly territorial. The clutch usually contains three to six white eggs. The female incubates the eggs and later broods the chicks. The male hunts and feeds the female and chicks.

Migration and movement patterns

These little owl species are non-migrant, resident birds. They disperse locally after breeding. The populations in higher altitudes descend to the lower levels in winter.

Post breeding, the juvenile owls may disperse and establish in new locations within the range. Within their range they may make local movements for feeding and breeding.

Little owl - Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Athene noctua
• Species author: (Scopoli, 1769)
• Synonyms/Protonym: Strix noctua Scopoli, 1769, Carine noctua
• Family: Strigidae › Strigiformes › Aves › Chordata › Animalia
• Vernacular names: English: Little owl, Chinese: 纵纹腹小鸮, French: Chevêche d’Athéna, German: Steinkauz, Spanish: Mochuelo europeo, Russian: Домовый сыч , Japanese: コキンメフクロウ, Malay: Burung Hantu Kuang Kuit
• Other names: Ethiopian Little Owl, Lilith Owlet, Northern Little Owl
• Distribution: western and central Europe, Mediterranean region, north Africa, west and central Asia, northern India, China, Mongolia, southern and eastern Russia
• Diet and feeding habits: small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, earthworms
• IUCN status listing: Least Concern (LC)

Conservation and survival

The global population size of the little owl (Athene noctua) is estimated to number about 1,240,000 to 2,340,000 mature individual birds. The overall population trend of the species is considered to be stable.

In most of its range, this owl species is reported to be common and locally very common. The generation length is 4.4 years. Its distribution size is about 52,900,000 sq.km.

Habitat alteration and destruction, severe winter, felling of old trees resulting in loss of nesting holes, hunting and capture for pet-trade are the main threats that are endangering the survival of these owl species.

IUCN and CITES status

The little owl (Athene noctua) does not approach the thresholds for being Vulnerable either under the range size criterion, or under the population trend criterion or under the population size criterion.

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has categorized and evaluated the owl species and has listed it as of "Least Concern".

The CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) status is ‘Evaluated’ for little owl (Athene noctua) and listed in Appendix II.

Taxonomy and scientific classification of Athene noctua
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Strigiformes
Family:	Strigidae
Subfamily:	-
Genus:	Athene
Species:	A. noctua
Binomial name:	Athene noctua
IUCN status listing:	Least Concern

The little owl (Athene noctua) is closely related to the spotted owlet (Athene brama).

The thirteen recognized subspecies of the little owl are: A. n. noctua, A. n. vidalii, A. n. plumipes, A. n. ludlowi, A. n. indigena, A. n. glaux, A. n. impasta, A. n. orientalis, A. n. saharae, A. n. spilogastra, A. n. bactriana, A. n. lilith and A. n. somaliensis.

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1.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Athene_noctua_(portrait).jpg (cropped)
Photo author: Trebol-a | License: CC BY-SA 3.0
2.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Posing_(19312516733).jpg (cropped)
Photo author: Andy Morffew | License: CC BY 2.0 as on 1/26/18
3.Photo source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Little_Owl_(25705930704).jpg (cropped)
Photo author: Airwolfhound | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 as on 1/26/18

Updated Nov 27, 2018
Recently updated and current topic in Bird World: Little owl - Athene noctua.