My local little owl

[darylp]

Went for a little wander yesterday morning and spotted this little fella/lass perching in a tree, had to take a photo, and he/she was very gracious as to give my a few minutes posing. I knew Little Owls are known for their daytime perching habits, but even so its still a surprise to see an owl this obvious, now I'm on the look out for a Tawny!! Can anyone tell me the distinctions between sexes, if any?


Daryl

[htcdude]

I don't think you'll be able to tell without a DNA sample

Nice pic too!

Nige

[Deb London]

I found this onthe internet:
The male’s chest is predominantly white, the female’s chest is darker
and heavily spotted. Females are larger.

Lovely birds, well done btw.

[Cassillis]

Lovely picture.

[Dogghound]

Males tend to have a paler face too, easier if you have them both next to each other. Sexing can also be achieved by biometrics with the female slightly larger (weight/wing length) although a lot of overlap does occur, not really achievable from a photo. They are also harder to age the further into spring we get. I would leave this unsexed/aged (from this photo). Are you aware of the nest site? if you kept a close eye on it the female will brood the young for the first couple of weeks with the male providing food, the male will roost elsewhere so you could possibly sex them on behaviour.

[RoyW]

Some interesting replies to this question.
I can't say that I've ever tried to identify the sex of any owls - but obviously it is useful for ringers to be able to do so if they are ringing them.
The slight differences that can be used for these, and many other bird species in which the sexes are practically identical, generally need to be learnt from those who have already gained the experience (probably from handling birds of both sexes). With many birds size difference between the sexes can help if they are side by side - but there is often overlap and you may be looking at, for example, a female at the smaller end of the usual range, against an unusually large male.
It can be fun to have a go though - as long as you remember that you may well get it wrong!

[darylp]

Thanks guys for the replies much appreciated, the sexing of this individual was more of a personal interest rather than for a specific reason.
I am aware of the nesting sight, as I stumbled on it last year just after the chick had fledged, I have kept it qt but it is in a fairly well trodden area by dog walkers so no doubt others are aware.
This year I have put some effort into hide sights and hope to get some shots of any possible fledglings.

[ShamanOftheWild]

Elegant pic!