Genus: Glaucidium californicumNicknames: Pygmy Owl, Rocky Mountain Pygmy Owl, Vancouver Pygmy Owl, California Pygmy Owl, and Dwarf Owl.
Length: Female: 18.5 cm, Male: 16.5 cm
Weight: Female: 73 g, Male: 62 g
Average Wing Length: 38 cm
Appearance: The Northern Pygmy Owl is one of the smallest owl species. Their bodies vary in colour between grey, brown and red. This species sports a soft plumage with white horizontal lines across its chest and belly. Their white and brown facial disk is rimmed with dark lines; paired with dark eyes and a yellow beak. Uncommon to most owls, Barred Owls have a long tail. Their feathers have no difference between female and male.
Habitat: Northern Pygmy Owls generally live in the ope coniferous and mixed forests. Their nests are built in between densely grown forests, however they use the vulnerability of open, deforested clearings for hunting. This species is typically found across West North America, starting from as north as British Columbia to as south as California.
Diet: Due to its small stature, Pygmy Owls are limited in their hunting capacity. However, they have evolved to be able to hunt prey three times its own weight. The common catches are voles, rats, mice and hares but they also accept small birds and water dwelling animals for prey.
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