General

Northern Pygmy-Owl: Small owl with upperparts and sides that range from plain brown to white-spotted gray-brown or gray. Underparts are white with thick brown stripes. Head is brown or gray with fine white spots; lacks ear tufts. Eyes are yellow with distinct white eyebrows. White-bordered black spots on back of head resemble an extra pair of eyes. Sexes are similar.

Range and Habitat

Northern Pygmy-Owl: Resident on the Pacific coast from southern Alaska to Central America; also found in the Rocky Mountains. Preferred habitats include open coniferous and mixed forests, open fields, wetlands, and logged areas.

Breeding and Nesting

Northern Pygmy-Owl: Two to seven white eggs are laid in a nest built in an old woodpecker hole, usually in a conifer. Eggs are incubated for 29 days by the female; male brings her food while on the nest.

Foraging and Feeding

Northern Pygmy-Owl: Prey consists of birds, such as swallows, jays, and chickadees, and mammals, such as shrews, moles, and chipmunks; a predominantly sit-and-wait predator that hunts by day.

Vocalization

Northern Pygmy-Owl: Primary call of the male is a series of repetitive, whistled hoots "too-too-too-too-too-too-too", given at intervals of one to two seconds; also makes a high whinny when bringing food to his mate. Female has a cackling call. Other calls include an ascending staccato series of whistles; when excited, may emit a high-pitched trill.

Similar Species

Northern Pygmy-Owl: Ferruginous Owl has a rufous tail with dark bars and brown streaks on underparts. Elf Owl is smaller, has a shorter tail, lacks eyespots on nape, and has faint streaks on underparts.