Species BirdsNorthern Pygmy-Owl

Northern Pygmy-Owl

Glaucidium gnoma

UncommonBird
Illustration of Northern Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium gnoma)

The Northern Pygmy-Owl is a tiny but fierce owl of western mountain forests that regularly hunts prey larger than itself, including small birds and mammals. It is diurnal and crepuscular, often active at dawn and dusk when small birds mob it aggressively. The dark eye-spots on the back of its head act as false eyes to deter predators from behind.

Habitat
Montane coniferous and mixed forests of the West
Diet
Small birds, mice, insects, and lizards
How common
Uncommon

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