Northern Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium gnoma

Identification Tips:

• Length: 6 inches Wingspan: 15 inches
• Predatory bird, more diurnal than other species of owls
• Large, rounded head
• Yellow eyes
• Crown spotted with white
• Dark brown upperparts with white spots
• Dark steaking on underparts
• Long, dark tail with thin, white bars
• Sexes similar

Similar species:

The Northern Pygmy-Owl is most similar to the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl and is best separated by the white spots, not streaks, on its crown. The vocalizations are also different as well as the habitat. Northern Pygmy-Owl inhabits higher elevations than the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl.

Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.