Northern Pygmy-owl
Glaucidium gnoma
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Northern Pygmy-owl is a compact raptor with a round head lacking ear tufts. Its upperparts are brown with white spotting, while the underparts are white with dark streaks. The tail is long and barred.
Both sexes are similar in appearance, with females slightly larger. Juveniles resemble adults but may have a less distinct facial disk and fewer white spots on the back.
Size
Length
15cm to 17cm
Wingspan
38cm to 43cm
Weight
50g to 73g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Grey
Beak Colour
Yellow
Leg Colour
Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Northern Pygmy-owls inhabit coniferous and mixed forests across western North America, from Alaska to Central America. They prefer mature forests with open understories and forest edges, hunting from perches in trees around the forest edges.
In the United States, they are found in mountainous regions of the West, including the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada. Their range extends into southern British Columbia and Alberta in Canada.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 4,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Northern Pygmy-owl. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Northern Pygmy-owl demonstrates remarkable agility, being a diurnal hunter capable of tackling prey larger than itself. Its ability to navigate through forest environments and capture agile prey like small birds indicates high manoeuvrability and quick reflexes.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Despite its diminutive size, this owl exhibits impressive strength for its weight class. The ability to carry prey up to three times its own weight suggests considerable muscular power relative to its size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Northern Pygmy-owls show notable adaptability, thriving in various forest types from sea level to 4,000 metres elevation. Their diverse diet, which shifts seasonally, and ability to hunt both diurnally and nocturnally further demonstrate their adaptable nature.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
These owls display a bold and aggressive hunting style, often tackling prey larger than themselves. Their willingness to confront and capture birds of similar size, coupled with their fearless daytime activity, indicates a high level of aggression for their size.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Whilst specific endurance data is limited, the Northern Pygmy-owl's active hunting style and ability to carry heavy prey suggest moderate endurance. However, as a small bird, its overall stamina may be limited compared to larger raptors.
Diet
Northern Pygmy-owls are versatile predators, feeding on small mammals, birds, and large insects. Prey items include mice, voles, lizards, cicadas and grasshoppers.
They often hunt birds up to their own size, including chickadees, nuthatches, and small woodpeckers. Their diet varies seasonally, with more insects consumed in summer. Prey is often cached in a tree, which they return to later.
Behaviour
Northern Pygmy-owls are diurnal, often active during daylight hours. They perch upright on exposed branches, scanning for prey.
These owls are bold hunters, sometimes tackling prey larger than themselves. They frequently bob their heads and tails when alert or excited.
Vocalisation
The Northern Pygmy-owl's primary call is a series of hollow, whistled hoots: "toot-toot-toot-toot-toot." These calls are repeated at regular intervals, often in sets of 4-7 notes. During courtship, males may produce a softer, more rapid series of hoots.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Northern Pygmy-owls typically begins in late spring. Males establish territories and attract females with persistent calling.
These owls nest in tree cavities, often those excavated by woodpeckers. Females lay 2-7 white eggs, which are incubated for about 28 days.
Both parents care for the young, with the male providing food while the female broods. Nestlings fledge after about 30 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Northern Pygmy-owl is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and urban development.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving mature forest habitats and maintaining snags for nesting sites.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them perched on exposed branches in forest edges
- Listen for their distinctive tooting call, especially at dawn and dusk
- Watch for mobbing behavior by small birds, which often reveals the owl's presence
- In the western United States, check coniferous forests at various elevations
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include larger owls, hawks, and small carnivores such as martens and weasels.
Did You Know?
- Northern Pygmy-owls have false eye spots on the back of their head, which may deter predators.
- They are one of the few owls that are regularly active during daylight hours.
- Despite their small size, they can carry prey up to three times their own weight, including quail and chickens.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2023. Glaucidium gnoma. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2023: e.T22735293A232131334.
View source - 2 3
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source
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