Ferruginous pygmy owl

The Ferruginous pygmy owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) is a small owl species with a wide geographic distribution, spanning from south-central Arizona and southern Texas in the United States, south through Mexico and Central America, and extending into South America as far as Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina. It is a common inhabitant of semi-open wooded habitats across these regions, and in Central and South America, it is the most widely distributed pygmy owl and likely one of the most numerous owl species.

Description and Characteristics

This owl is characterized by its small, stocky build and disproportionately large feet and talons. Its plumage is highly variable, ranging from grey-brown with a black-and-white barred tail to a rich rufous with a uniform rufous tail. A distinctive feature is the presence of elongated white or buff streaks on its crown, white spots on its wing coverts, and prominent white supercilia above its facial disc. Birdwatchers often note the two dark spots on its nape, which are commonly referred to as "false eyes." Females are typically slightly larger than males and may appear more reddish.

Behavior and Ecology

The Ferruginous pygmy owl is primarily crepuscular, meaning it is most active during twilight hours of dawn and dusk, but it is also known to hunt during the day. Its diet is diverse, encompassing a variety of small animals including birds, lizards, other reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and insects. Notable prey items include grasshoppers, crickets, cicadas, scorpions, various skinks and whiptails, thrushes, doves, and mice.

A curious behavioral trait is that the Ferruginous pygmy owl is often readily located by smaller birds that engage in mobbing behavior, gathering in groups to harass the owl while it is perched. The owl's call is a whistled "hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo," usually in E flat, which is easily imitated and can be used by birdwatchers to attract other birds.

Reproduction

The breeding season for the Ferruginous pygmy owl typically occurs from late winter to early spring. It is a cavity-nesting species, utilizing natural hollows in trees or cavities within columnar cacti. Females lay between one and seven white eggs, with incubation lasting approximately 28 days. The young owls, known as owlets, fledge between 27 and 30 days after hatching.

Conservation Status

The Ferruginous pygmy owl is generally considered secure as a species. However, one of its subspecies, G. b. cactorum, also known as the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl, faced significant threats in the United States. This subspecies was listed as Endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, primarily due to habitat loss, particularly the impact of buffel grass fires that destroyed its preferred cacti habitat. Fortunately, this subspecies was delisted in 2006.