Species Profile
Northern Pygmy-owl
Glaucidium gnoma
Northern Pygmy-Owl
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
3–7 years
Length
15–17 cm
Weight
50–73 g
Wingspan
38–43 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: Mountain Pygmy-owl
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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.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Grey
- Beak
- Yellow
- Legs
- Yellow
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
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.
Calls & Sounds
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
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
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.
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