Long ago, during a time period far before Minoan civilization (the Pleistocene or Ice Age), the Cretan Owl dwelled and thrived before its untimely extinction. The last of this species tapered off after the island was inhabited by humans. While 130,000-year-old stone tools were found on Crete, denoting the brief settlement of early hominids, humans officially settled there around 6,500 BCE. Late Miocene (approximately 11 million years ago) fossil remains from Northeastern Hungary have been assigned to this genus of owls (Athene).

Athene cretensis’ first appearance was in a scholarly paper by paleontologist P.D.M. Weesie titled “A Pleistocene endemic island form within the genus Athene: Athene cretensis” (published in 1982).

Key Traits of the Cretan Owl

At roughly 23 inches (60 centimeters), the Cretan owl towered over the present-day little owl (Athene noctua). Flightless or near-flightless, its short wings and long legs ensured a terrestrial advantage over its feathered counterparts. Its legs gradually lengthened over time. Athene cretensis also had a notably different humerus from other owls. The bone structure reflects the fact that this owl didn’t have any known predators, so flight wasn’t entirely necessary for its survival.

What the Cretan Owl Ate

Due to the Cretan owl pellets that were recovered from the Liko cave, this owl’s primary prey was rodents, but especially the endemic mouse Mus minotaurus, which was one of the largest in its genus.

Why the Cretan Owl Went Extinct

One of the likely reasons that A. cretensis went extinct is that its main food source also went extinct. The arrival of humans also introduced a new predator into the area that this bird didn’t need to worry about before. At that point, its ground-dwelling tendencies were a major disadvantage.

Source

“A Pleistocene endemic island form within the genus Athene: Athene cretensis” by P.D.M. Weesie