Eurasian Pygmy-Owl
NameEurasian Pygmy-Owl
Common NameEurasian Pygmy-Owl
Scientific NameGlaucidium passerinum
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)35.5
Length (cm)17
Weight (g)65
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dark brown with prominent white spotting, especially on the head and back. Underparts are whitish with dark brown streaking on the flanks and breast. It has a yellowish bill and lacks ear tufts, with two dark patches on the nape resembling 'false eyes'.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive series of soft, flute-like, monotonous 'poop' or 'hoo' notes, often repeated at regular intervals. It also has a rapid 'pip-pip-pip' alarm call.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across the boreal forest zone of Eurasia, from Scandinavia and Central Europe eastward through Russia and Siberia to Sakhalin Island and northeastern China.
Identifying Featuresvery small size, compact body, round head without ear tufts, bright yellow eyes, undulating flight, false eyes on nape, diurnal activity
Description
The Eurasian Pygmy-Owl is a very small, compact owl with a round head and bright yellow eyes. It is a fierce predator for its size, often hunting during the day or at dusk and dawn, preying on small birds and mammals.
