The Eurasian pygmy owl is a nocturnal bird of prey.
It belongs to the true owl family and its scientific name is Micrathene whitneyi.
Let’s learn more about it from teketrek.
The eurasian pygmy owl facts
The Eurasian pygmy owl is known by various names, such as elf owl or pygmy owl, due to its small size and distinctive patterned body.
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The primary habitat of the Eurasian pygmy owl is the southwestern United States and Mexico.
The Eurasian pygmy owl has extremely strong hearing and vision, which helps it hunt easily at night.
If it catches more prey than it needs, it stores it in nesting holes.
Since it feeds on scorpions, it removes the scorpion’s sting before storing it.
The Eurasian pygmy owl migrates in flocks because it feeds on insects, which are less abundant in winter.
During mating season, male Eurasian pygmy owls sing a specific song reserved for mating purposes.
They sing this song continuously from inside the nest until they are followed by the female.
The Eurasian pygmy owl has smart ways to deal with predators.
When it senses danger, it makes a loud barking sound, claps its wings, and moves its tail rapidly back and forth.
The Eurasian pygmy owl specification
The eurasian pygmy owl size is characterized by its small size short length.
The weight, length:
Its average weight is about 40 grams, and its length ranges from 12.5 cm to 14.5 cm, Females are 3% taller and 6% heavier than males.
The eyes: It also has yellow eyes and its underside blends with white and brown colors.
The tail, feet: The Eurasian pygmy owl has a short tail and small feet with a pale yellow color.
The beak, head
It also has a beak that is either yellow-green or gray, and a relatively large head.
Habitats of the Eurasian pygmy owl
The Eurasian pygmy owl lives in deserts, highlands, semi-tropical thorn forests, and evergreen mountain forests.
These owls nest in woodpecker holes or fallen tree leaves, as well as in power poles.
Eurasian pygmy owls have been found in Arizona and Sonora, Mexico.
They are also found in parts of California, New Mexico, and Texas.
What do Eurasian pygmy owls eat?
The pygmy owl hunts small and weak animals due to its small body and claws.
Its diet mainly consists of insects such as mites, cockroaches, beetles, and locust, as well as caterpillars and grasshoppers.
The pygmy owl also preys on scorpions and mice.
While flying, it hunts small birds, lizards, and small snakes.
Due to the scarcity of water in its desert habitat, the pygmy owl can survive on the moisture it obtains from the creatures it consumes.
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Reproduction Stages of the Pygmy Owl
The mating season begins in April.
The male sings to attract the female to nesting sites, after which the mating process begins.
The female pygmy owl looks for a hollow for nesting and egg-laying. She usually selects woodpecker holes in cacti or fallen trees.
When it’s time to lay eggs, the female pygmy owl lays one to five eggs over periods of one to three days.
The incubation period lasts for at least two weeks, during which the female searches for food at dusk while the male incubates the eggs.
After 28 days, the young pygmy owl becomes fledged.
FAQs about the Eurasian pygmy owl’s prey
What is the Eurasian pygmy owl’s prey?
The Eurasian pygmy owl primarily preys on small mammals like voles, lemmings, bats, and mice, as well as small birds such as thrushes, crossbills, chaffinches, and leaf-warblers. They are skilled hunters and can catch birds in flight. Their diet can also include lizards, fish, and insects.
How rare are pygmy owls?
Since 1993, no more than 41 pygmy owls have been documented in Arizona in any given year, with recent counts showing fewer than 30 individuals. In northwest Tucson, only one pygmy owl has been found.
What are some interesting facts about pygmy owls?
Northern pygmy owls display a pair of tufts on the sides of their heads when threatened by predators like hawks or cats. They also have spots on the back of their necks that resemble eyes. These features may serve to confuse or deter potential threats by making the owl appear more vigilant.
What is the personality of the northern pygmy owl?
Despite their small size, northern pygmy owls are aggressive hunters and are known to catch more birds than many other small owl species.
In conclusion, our journey into the world of the Eurasian pygmy owl teaches us that beauty does not always come in large sizes. This small bird imparts valuable lessons about the power of the small and the greatness of nature in its smallest details.
Let us continue to explore and appreciate the beauty of the world around us, with care and respect for all creatures, big and small.
References
Wikipedia
