pygmy owl
1. Bird Name
English Name: Pygmy Owl
Scientific (Latin) Name: Glaucidium passerinum
2. Appearance
The Pygmy Owl, as its name suggests, is diminutive in size but has a prominent appearance. The bird has a light greyish-brown to dark brown colored body adorned with white and dark spots. Its tail is short and square with broad white bars. It has two distinctive black “false eyes” on the back of the head, creating the illusion of a larger, more formidable bird when viewed from behind. Its true eyes are vibrant yellow, which stand out against the rest of their dull-brown body. The beak is yellowish, curved and very sharp. Females and males look almost identical, but females tend to be slightly larger.
3. Size
The Pygmy Owl averages about 15-20 centimeters (6-8 inches) in length. Their wingspan ranges from 33-39 centimeters (13-15 inches), and they weigh anywhere from 60 to 80 grams (2.1 to 2.8 ounces).
4. Habitat & Distribution
Pygmy Owls inhabit the forests of the Northern Hemisphere, from Scandinavia through Eurasia, North America, and down into Central America. Specifically, they prefer sparse woodlands, shrublands and sometimes nestle in gardens or parks taking refuge in mature trees.
5. Interesting Facts
The Pygmy Owl may be small but it is a fierce hunter, often going after birds twice its size. Another unique behavior of the Pygmy owl is they are day hunters and can be seen in daylight unlike most owls who are nocturnal. Culturally, they were considered symbols of wisdom and good fortune in some Native American cultures.
6. Diet
Small rodents like mice and voles, small birds, large insects and other invertebrates makeup the pygmy owl’s diet. Due to their size, it’s amazing to see how they capture and carry small birds such as sparrows and finches.
7. Behavior & Sounds
The Pygmy Owl is a solitary bird. They are not known for their communal nature. Their characteristic call is a repeated, high-pitched “poop-poop-poop” sound that’s continuous and bisyllabic. During mating season, they perform a rhythmic six-note song to attract their mates.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Pygmy Owl is currently listed as a species of “Least Concern”. However, certain subspecies found in specific regions are under threat due to habitat loss.
9. Lifespan
The average lifespan of the Pygmy Owl in the wild is approximately seven years. In captivity, these birds can live up to ten years with proper care.
10. Additional Notes
In Spanish, the Pygmy owl is known as the “Mochuelo” and in French as “Chevêchette”. They sometimes attract small groups of small songbirds attempting to mob them to drive them away, which actually assists the hunter by revealing their location. Their role in the ecosystem is vital; they act as biological control agents, regulating the population of rodents and certain bird species.
