The Northern Pygmy-Owl is a tiny owl that measures only about 6-7 inches in length. Despite its small size, it has a fierce personality and is highly territorial. The Northern Pygmy-Owl can be found across western North America in pine and mixed coniferous forests. This petite raptor is most active at dawn and dusk, making the early morning and early evening the best times to try and spot one. Keep reading to learn more about the natural history of the Northern Pygmy-Owl and when your chances are highest of observing this feisty little bird of prey.
Overview of the Northern Pygmy-Owl
The Northern Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium gnoma) belongs to the family Strigidae, which includes all the “typical owls” like horned owls and barn owls. This diminutive owl averages about 15 cm (6 inches) long with a wingspan around 38 cm (15 inches). It weighs only 35-55 grams. Northern Pygmy-Owls have a rounded head with no ear tufts. Their white “eyebrows” give them a fierce expression. The plumage is highly variable across their range but generally brown above with white spotting. The underparts are whitish with brown streaking. The tail is quite long for the bird’s small size.
This tiny raptor inhabits mature coniferous and mixed forests across western North America. Its range extends from southeast Alaska across Canada and the western United States down into Mexico. The Northern Pygmy-Owl is non-migratory and defends a permanent territory year-round. Though diminutive, it is fierce and aggressive, frequently mobbing larger animals or birds that intrude on its territory. A mated pair will defend a territory of 30 to 70 acres.
The Northern Pygmy-Owl’s diet consists mainly of small birds, large insects, and small mammals. It hunts from an inconspicuous perch, remaining motionless for long periods until potential prey appears. It then launches into fast direct flight on its rounded wings to grab its prey. Despite its tiny size, this fierce little hunter is able to take down birds as large as jays and woodpeckers.
Habits of the Northern Pygmy-Owl
The Northern Pygmy-Owl is most active around dawn and dusk, which are peak times for hunting its prey. It spends most of the daylight hours roosting inconspicuously on a tree branch. Its camouflage plumage helps it blend into the bark and foliage. If disturbed during the day, it will snap its head around and fix its bright yellow eyes on the intruder, showing its agitation.
At dawn and dusk, the Pygmy-Owl becomes more alert and active. It utters its territorial “toot toot” call and may even mob or dive at intruders. It scans the surrounding trees for movement, then launches into flight in pursuit of insects, small mammals, and other birds. Its long tail provides stability and agility during these rapid twisting flights through the forest vegetation.
After a successful hunt, the Pygmy-Owl returns to its favored perch to consume the prey. It emits its signature call both to announce its territory and after making a kill. The bird often removes feathers or fur from its prey with its bill before tearing the flesh into pieces with its sharp talons and consuming it. Sometimes it skewers prey on thorns or barbed wire around its territory.
Breeding and Nesting
The breeding season for Northern Pygmy-Owls begins in late winter or early spring. As with hunting, peak calling and courtship activity occurs around dawn and dusk. The male performs aerial displays, flying in loops while calling loudly to attract a mate. Once paired, the female roosts in the nest cavity while the male brings her food.
The Pygmy-Owl nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes in large trees. The female lays 3-7 white eggs and incubates them for about 25 days while the male continues to provide food. Once the chicks hatch, both parents gather food to feed the growing young. After another 25-30 days, the chicks are ready to leave the nest. They remain near the nesting site for several weeks, honing their flight skills and hunting ability with guidance from the parents.
Best Time of Day to Observe
As a crepuscular owl, the Northern Pygmy-Owl is by far most active and vocal around dawn and dusk. Your best chance of catching sight of one is in the hour before sunrise or after sunset. Position yourself quietly in a spot with a good view of the surrounding trees. Listen for the distinctive two-note “toot toot” call, which carries well through the twilight air.
Once you’ve pinpointed the owl’s location by sound, train your binoculars or camera on trees in that area. The owl may be sitting upright and scanning for prey. With patience, you may be rewarded with seeing it launch into flight after unsuspecting birds or swoop down to snag a rodent off the ground. Photographers will relish capturing the Pygmy-Owl’s intense expression in the soft early morning or evening light.
Here is a quick summary of the ideal times for observing Northern Pygmy-Owls:
| Early morning | Just before dawn, around 30 minutes before sunrise |
| Early evening | Just after sunset, within 1 hour of the sun going down |
Other Times of Day
While early morning and evening offer your best chances, it’s still possible to spot Northern Pygmy-Owls at other times of day too:
Late morning – The owl may change roosts or make a brief hunting flight.
Mid day – Least likely time, but check cavities for a roosting bird.
Late afternoon – Increased chance of movement and vocalizations before evening activity peaks.
On overcast days, the owl may begin activity earlier in the day since light conditions resemble early morning and evening. Rainy or windy weather prompts the owl to remain in a protected roost.
Where to Look
To find Northern Pygmy-Owls, concentrate your efforts in mature coniferous or mixed forests. The habitat typically consists of large trees, including:
– Pines
– Firs
– Redwoods
– Douglas firs
– Spruces
Scan trunks and large branches for cavities or look for old woodpecker holes that could shelter a roosting owl. Pygmy-owls frequently reuse these holes both for roosting and nesting. Listen for “toot-toot” calls which carry well on calm mornings and evenings. Their boldly striped chests can also make Pygmy-Owls more visible when they puff out their feathers on branches or cavity entrances.
Quiet forest trails and logging roads offer viewing spots, provided there is enough undisturbed forest on either side. The small hunting territories of Pygmy-Owl pairs are entirely within mature forest habitat. Avoid areas with extensive recent logging, as this reduces suitable habitat and prey availability.
Tips for Viewing
To maximize your chances of observing Northern Pygmy-Owls, follow these tips when visiting their forest habitat:
– Go in the hour around dawn or dusk when the owls are most vocal and active.
– Listen for “toot-toot” calls then look in that direction for the owl.
– Use binoculars to scan tree cavities and upper branches.
– Watch tree trunks where woodpeckers have excavated holes.
– Move quietly and pause frequently to watch and listen from likely owl perches.
– Call recordings can help lure the owl into view as they are highly territorial.
– Aim for calm days without strong wind or rain so calls carry better.
– Be patient. Remain still in one spot for up to 30 minutes.
– Return to the same areas over multiple days to increase your chance of sighting one.
Conclusion
The Northern Pygmy-Owl is most active and observable in the early morning and early evening hours. This matches the activity patterns of both its prey and predators. The dusk and dawn twilight periods give you the highest likelihood of witnessing this tiny raptor in action as it hunts, feeds, and defends its territory. With persistence and knowledge of this owl’s habits, you stand an excellent chance of being rewarded with memorable views of the feisty Northern Pygmy-Owl. So grab your binoculars, head out to a quiet forest around sunrise or sunset, and listen for the distinctive toot-toot call that announces there is a pygmy owl nearby ready to see!
