Birds
Northern Pygmy-Owl
Glaucidium californicum · also called northern pygmy-owls
A flock of songbirds mobs a small shape perched in a conifer, only to find a northern pygmy-owl calmly facing away, a pair of false eye markings on the back of its head making it look as though it is watching them the entire time.
Overview
The northern pygmy-owl, Glaucidium californicum, is one of the smallest owl species found in North America, native to forest and mountain woodland across a broad range of western North America. Its distinctive false eye markings, surprisingly bold hunting of prey larger than itself, and tendency to be active during the day make it one of the more behaviourally striking small owls found in western forests.
A tiny owl with an outsized reputation
Despite its diminutive size, the northern pygmy-owl hunts with a boldness that regularly targets prey larger than many people would expect such a small owl to attempt, earning it genuine respect from the songbirds that mob it on sight.
Status
Least Concern — widespread and stable across suitable forest and mountain woodland habitat throughout western North America.
Northern Pygmy-Owl: common questions
Why does the northern pygmy-owl have false eyes on the back of its head?
This species has a pair of dark markings on the back of the head resembling eyes, a decoy pattern that may help confuse predators or mobbing birds into believing the owl is watching them and remains alert even when it is actually facing the opposite direction, potentially discouraging an attack from behind.
How can such a small owl hunt birds and mammals larger than itself?
This species is a notably bold and aggressive hunter for its small size, using surprise and persistence to take birds and mammals considerably larger relative to its own body size than many other owl species typically attempt, a hunting strategy that has earned it a reputation disproportionate to its diminutive stature.
Why do songbirds sometimes mob a northern pygmy-owl?
This species is frequently mobbed by songbirds attempting to drive it away, a defensive response likely triggered by the owl's habit of actively hunting small birds despite its own small size, making it a genuine threat that songbirds have learned to respond to aggressively when spotted.
Is the northern pygmy-owl active at night or during the day?
This species is often active during the day, hunting readily in daylight rather than relying on the strict nocturnal habits typical of many other owl species, a behavioural difference that sets it apart from most other North American owls.