Ferruginous Pygmy-owl
Least ConcernGlaucidium brasilianum
Visual Identification
Ferruginous Pygmy-owl
Appearance
The Ferruginous Pygmy-owl is a small, compact owl with a rounded head lacking ear tufts. Its upperparts are reddish-brown or rufous, while the underparts are streaked with white and brown. The crown is spotted with white, giving a speckled appearance.
Females are similar to males, but as they are slightly larger, they also frequently have more rufous coloring in their plumage. Juveniles resemble adults but have slightly paler and grayer plumage.
Two distinct color morphs exist: a rufous form and a greyer form, with the rufous being more common in arid regions.
Size
Length
15cm to 19cm
Wingspan
38cm to 45cm
Weight
60g to 75g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Rufous
Secondary Colour
White Grey
Beak Colour
Yellow
Leg Colour
Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Ferruginous Pygmy-owls inhabit various habitats across the Americas, from southern Arizona and Texas in the United States through Mexico, Central America, and much of South America. They prefer semi-open woodlands, thorn scrub, and desert areas with giant cacti.
In the United States, they are year-round residents in limited areas of the Southwest. Their distribution remains relatively stable throughout the year, with no significant seasonal movements observed.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,480 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Diet
Ferruginous Pygmy-owls are versatile predators, feeding on a variety of small animals. Their diet includes insects, small mammals, birds, lizards, and amphibians.
Prey includes large insects such as grasshoppers, cicadas, crickets, beetles, and moths, scorpions, and rodents, including pygmy mice and harvest mice.
They often hunt from perches, swooping down to capture prey on the ground or in mid-air, demonstrating remarkable agility for their size.
Behaviour
Ferruginous Pygmy-owls are diurnal, often active during daylight hours, especially at dawn and dusk. They have a distinctive undulating flight pattern, alternating between quick wingbeats and short glides.
These territorial owls often perch conspicuously on exposed branches, scanning for prey or potential threats.
Vocalisation
The Ferruginous Pygmy-owl's call is a series of hollow, whistled notes, often described as 'poo-poo-poo' or 'whoop-whoop-whoop'. This call is repeated steadily, about 2-3 notes per second, and can continue for several minutes.
They also produce a variety of chirps, trills, and barks in different contexts.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Ferruginous Pygmy-owls typically begins in late winter or early spring. Males establish territories and attract females with persistent calling and food offerings.
These owls are cavity nesters, often using abandoned woodpecker holes, natural tree cavities, or even nest boxes. Females lay 3-5 white, roundish eggs in these cavities, which are used without additional nesting material.
Incubation lasts about 28 days, and it is primarily done by the female while the male provides food. Nestlings fledge after approximately 27-30 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks.
Lifespan
years
The Ferruginous Pygmy-owl typically lives for 5 to 8 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While listed as Least Concern globally, some local populations face threats. In the United States, the Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-owl subspecies is of particular conservation concern due to habitat loss and fragmentation in Arizona. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring suitable habitat.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them perched on cacti or tree branches in open woodlands
- Listen for their repetitive, whistled 'poo-poo-poo' call, especially at dawn and dusk
- Watch for their characteristic bobbing motion when alerted
- In the US, focus on areas in southern Arizona and Texas
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-owl
Family:
StrigidaePredators
Main predators include larger owls, hawks, and occasionally snakes. Their small size and diurnal habits make them vulnerable to a variety of predators.
Did You Know?
- Despite their small size, Ferruginous Pygmy-owls can take prey up to twice their own weight.
- They have false eye spots on the back of their head, which may help deter predators.
- In some cultures, these owls are considered good luck charms and are sometimes kept as pets despite legal protections.
Was this bird profile helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve our content
Community Experience
Community Ratings
No ratings yet - be the first to rate this bird!
Latest Community Reviews
No reviews yet
Sign in to be the first to review
FAQs
What is the difference between Northern Pygmy-Owl and Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl?
Similar in size and coloring, there are some subtle differences between northern pygmy-owls and ferruginous pygmy-owls that help tell the two species apart.
There is some overlap between the range of these two tiny owls, with ferruginous pygmy-owls present further south than their northern counterparts, with a range that extends deep into Mexico, with a limited presence in the United States.
Both species are diurnal, mostly active at dawn and dusk, with northern pygmy-owls typically found at higher elevations. In appearance, the main difference is seen in the forehead markings, which are streaked in ferruginous pygmy-owls and spotted in northern pygmy-owls.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2022. Glaucidium brasilianum. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T22689248A217038370.
View source - 2 3
report, 2020: Partners in Flight