Playback survey trial for the Little Owl Athene noctua in the UK

ABSTRACTCapsule: Playback is effective at improving detectability of Little Owls.Aims: To trial a playback survey methodology for Little Owls in the UK to determine detectability and practicalities which could inform potential future national monitoring efforts.Methods: Nocturnal playback surveys were carried out in an open landscape in the east of England in spring 2015. Twelve 2 × 2 km survey squares were each visited four times. Little Owl calls were broadcast from three locations within each square along a linear transect and spaced 500 m apart. The responses of owls of any species were recorded. Little Owl occupancy was later confirmed through existing nest monitoring efforts.Results: Little Owls were detected responding to playback in all survey squares and were confirmed to be breeding in 8 of the 12. Detection and response rates were greater when combining data from multiple broadcast locations. The likelihood of Little Owls responding decreased with greater distance of broadcast location to known...