Little owls are a national second-class protected bird species that live in Northwest China's Qilian Mountains throughout the year.

They are skilled hunters with a cute appearance -- little owls' bodies are just 20 to 26 centimeters long, but they are natural predators to rats and insects. Sometimes they also hunt frogs, lizards and other birds.

The competition for food between fledglings is not fierce, because their capable mothers will bring enough food.

Crevices in rocks often serve as their nests, which can shelter little owls from wind and snow during the harsh winter. Young little owls grow up safely. They can easily fly into the sky with just a little bit of practice.