Ferruginous pygmy owl

Appearance

The ferruginous pygmy owl is small, typically 15 cm, and stocky with disproportionately large feet and talons. The crown has elongated white/buff streaks, the wing coverts have white spots, and the underparts are heavily streaked white. There are prominent white supercilia above the facial disc. There are two dark spots on the nape, often termed "false eyes" by birders. Otherwise, its overall color is highly variable, ranging from grey-brown with a black-and-white barred tail to rich rufous with a uniform rufous tail. Sexes are similar with females slightly larger and often more reddish. The flight is often undulating in motion, similar to that of many woodpecker species.

Distribution

In Central America and South America, it is the most widely distributed pygmy owl and is probably one of the most numerous owl species in those areas.

Status

The northernmost subspecies, "G. b. cactorum", commonly called the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl, was a listed Endangered species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. It This protected it in south-central Arizona from loss of habitat and buffel grass fires. Buffel grass catches fire very easily, which spreads to cacti, burning the owl's primary habitat. Its range extends over the border into Sonora, Mexico. "G. b. cactorum" was delisted in 2006. It was also considered to be an "Imperiled Subspecies" by NatureServe, with the species as a whole considered "Secure".

Behavior

It can be readily located by the small birds that mob it while it is perched in a tree.

Habitat

It can be readily located by the small birds that mob it while it is perched in a tree. It is found in a wide range of semi-open wooded habitats.

Reproduction

The breeding season is from late winter to early spring. It is a cavity nesting bird, laying one to seven white eggs. Incubation is 28 days, with 27 to 30 days to fledging.

Food

This species is crepuscular, but often hunts by day. It hunts a variety of birds, lizards, other reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and insects. Specific examples of what these owls feed on include grasshoppers, crickets, scorpions, six-lined racerunners, four-lined skinks, Texas spotted whiptails, creamy-bellied thrushes, pale-breasted thrushes, eared doves, and mice.