The Canadian Peregrine Foundation

Northern Pygmy Owl
(Glaucidium gnoma)


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IDENTIFICATION


(Photo by Amy Mui)

Size: 15-17 cm (similar to a large sparrow).   Description: Pale bars on long tail, back brown, thin dark streaks on white belly.   Range: British Columbia and western Alberta.   Habitat: Forest edges.   Nest: In abandoned woodpecker hole or other natural cavity.   Voice: Slow series of short whistles.   Diet: Mostly rodents and small birds, also some insects.   Behaviour: Highly diurnal.   Notes: Remarkably strong for its size, can capture prey more than twice its own weight. Large black spots on back of head act as false eyes to deter predators. Does not swallow hair, feathers, or bones, and therefore produces no pellets.

 

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