Birds
Ferruginous Pygmy Owl
Glaucidium brasilianum
Mobbed by a noisy group of songbirds that know exactly what it is capable of, a ferruginous pygmy owl shows no sign of backing down, one of the fiercest hunters for its size found anywhere in the Americas.
Overview
The ferruginous pygmy owl, Glaucidium brasilianum, is a Least Concern bird of prey found across forest, woodland, and scrub from the southwestern United States through Central America into much of South America. Its tiny size belies an aggressive hunting style capable of overpowering birds larger than itself, a reputation that earns it regular harassment from mobbing songbirds.
Small size, serious reputation
Unlike many small birds that go unnoticed by potential prey, the ferruginous pygmy owl is recognized as a genuine threat by the songbirds sharing its habitat, which often gather in noisy groups to mob and drive it away rather than ignore it.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable forest, woodland, and scrub habitat throughout its extensive range.
Ferruginous Pygmy Owl: common questions
Why do songbirds mob the ferruginous pygmy owl?
Small birds recognize it as a genuine predator capable of hunting prey their own size or larger, so they gather to harass and drive it away rather than ignoring it, as they might a harmless bird.
What are the markings on the back of the ferruginous pygmy owl's head?
They are false eye markings, dark patches that may help confuse approaching predators or mobbing birds into thinking the owl is watching them even while it faces the other way.
Does the ferruginous pygmy owl hunt only at night?
No, unlike most owls, it hunts frequently during daylight hours as well as at dawn and dusk.
How can such a small owl catch larger birds?
Despite its tiny size, the ferruginous pygmy owl is an aggressive and capable hunter, sometimes overpowering birds considerably larger than itself through surprise and tenacity.