Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl

The Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl is a tiny, feisty owl of the arid borderlands and tropics, closely related to the Northern Pygmy-Owl but generally warmer and more rufous in tone, particularly in the tail. Like its relative, it has a round head without ear tufts, bright yellow eyes, and false eyespots on the nape.

Adults show fine white streaking on the crown (rather than spotting), rufous-brown upperparts, and a rusty, indistinctly barred tail. The underparts are white with bold rufous streaking down the flanks and breast.

Although tiny, this owl is a bold and effective predator of birds and lizards, and small songbirds mob it vigorously when it appears in daylight.

Key Field Marks

• Small size, round head, no ear tufts, yellow eyes
• Fine white streaking (not spotting) on the crown
• Rufous-brown tail, often held cocked and flicked
• Black nape spots ringed in white (false eyes)

Similar Species

• Northern Pygmy-Owl has a spotted (not streaked) crown and is found at higher elevations in coniferous forest, with limited range overlap in the Southwest.
• Elf Owl is smaller, shorter-tailed, and lacks the rufous tail and nape spots.
• Range and habitat (desert lowlands vs. mountain forest) help separate this species from the Northern Pygmy-Owl.

Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls inhabit dry thorn scrub, mesquite bosque, saguaro desert, and riparian woodland from the extreme southwestern United States (historically southern Arizona and south Texas) south through Mexico, Central America, and much of South America, making it one of the most widely distributed pygmy-owls in the Americas.

Most populations are non-migratory residents, remaining on territory year-round in the same desert or scrub habitat.

Behavior

Like other pygmy-owls, this species is largely diurnal and crepuscular, hunting actively in daylight from perches in scrub and open woodland, frequently flicking its cocked tail.

Voice

The song is a rapid, evenly spaced series of short, low whistled "took" or "po" notes, often given in extended bouts, especially around dawn.

Feeding

It hunts small birds, lizards, large insects, and small mammals, ambushing prey from a perch with quick, powerful strikes; it will take prey substantially larger than itself.

Nesting & Breeding

Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls nest in natural cavities and old woodpecker holes in cacti or trees, laying 3-5 eggs. They defend nest sites vigorously and, like other pygmy-owls, are frequently mobbed by songbirds when discovered.