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Northern Pygmy Owl

Introduction

Don’t let the size fool you—Northern Pygmy Owls (Glaucidium californicum) are tiny birds with a big attitude. Found in forests across western North America, these owls are known for being active during the day, unlike most of their nocturnal cousins. Despite being just 6–7 inches tall, they regularly hunt prey as large as themselves and are often spotted perched boldly on tree branches.

This blog explores everything about these fierce little predators—from where they live to what they eat—and why birders are so fascinated by them.

Where Do Northern Pygmy Owls Live?

Northern Pygmy Owls are mostly found in western North America, from southern Alaska and British Columbia, down through the Pacific Northwest, and into the mountains of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and even parts of Mexico.

They prefer:

Coniferous and mixed forests
Mountain foothills and canyons
Open woods near streams or clearings

They’re especially common at higher elevations in summer but may move to lower forested areas in winter.

How Big Is a Northern Pygmy Owl?

Though they’re called “pygmy,” their body is solidly built for hunting.

Length: 6.3 to 7.1 inches (16 to 18 cm)
Wingspan: 14.5 to 16 inches (37 to 41 cm)
Weight: 2.2 to 2.5 ounces (62 to 70 grams)

They have a rounded head with no ear tufts, and their most unique feature is the pair of “false eyes” (dark spots) on the back of their head, which may help confuse predators.

Daytime Hunter Behavior

Unlike most owls, Northern Pygmy Owls are diurnal—they hunt during the day, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. That makes them easier to spot than most owl species if you know where to look.

They perch quietly on tree limbs, scanning for movement, then launch fast attacks with amazing precision.

What Do Northern Pygmy Owls Eat?

Despite their size, they take down surprisingly large prey. Their diet includes:

Small birds (yes, they often eat songbirds)
Rodents (mice, voles, and shrews)
Large insects
Occasionally reptiles or amphibians

They often store food in tree cavities to eat later—a habit known as caching.

Nesting and Breeding Habits

Northern Pygmy Owls don’t build nests. Instead, they rely on:

Old woodpecker holes
Natural tree cavities

Breeding season starts in spring. The female lays 3 to 7 eggs, and only she incubates them while the male delivers food. The chicks hatch after about 28 days and fledge roughly 4 weeks later.

What Does a Northern Pygmy Owl Sound Like?

Their call is a high-pitched, rhythmic “toot”—somewhat similar to the Northern Saw-whet Owl, but slower and more spaced out. Birders often hear the call before spotting the owl.

Call tips:

Sounds like a series of hollow hoots
Often repeated every 1–2 seconds
Best heard at dawn or dusk in the breeding season

Where to See Northern Pygmy Owls in the U.S.

These owls are secretive, but you can spot them in:

Pacific Northwest states: Oregon, Washington
Rocky Mountain region: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming
Southwest: Arizona, New Mexico (mainly in high-elevation forests)
California’s Sierra Nevada

Look for them in open conifer forests, especially perched on exposed branches near meadows or forest edges.

Fun Facts About the Northern Pygmy Owl

Two faces? The owl has dark spots on the back of its head that resemble eyes—likely used to confuse predators.
Bird eater: It's one of the few owls that routinely hunts small birds.
Not nocturnal: Unlike most owls, the Northern Pygmy Owl is most active during the day.
Bold attitude: Despite being tiny, they often take on prey close to their own size.

Conclusion

The Northern Pygmy Owl proves that being small doesn’t mean being timid. These fierce, fast, and surprisingly bold owls are a delight for birdwatchers lucky enough to spot them. Their unique behavior, daytime activity, and adorable (yet intense) look make them one of the most interesting owl species in North America.

If you're exploring western forests, keep your eyes peeled—especially in the early morning. You might just glimpse this tiny forest warrior staring right back at you.

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