Little Owl - 1949 status

Athene noctua vidalii

Unknown so far west in Matthew's day.  Breeding first recorded in 1920.  Now a common resident, breeding even on the islands, where it preys largely on Storm-Petrels if permitted to remain.  Most abundant owl 1927, but less numerous by 1946.

R.M.Lockley, G.C.S.Ingram, H.M.Salmon, 1949, The Birds of Pembrokeshire, The West Wales Field Society