Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium brasilianum

Identification Tips:

• Length: 6 inches Wingspan: 15 inches
• Predatory bird, more diurnal than other species of owls
• Large, rounded head
• Yellow eyes
• Crown finely streaked with white
• Rusty brown upperparts with white spots
• Rusty steaking on underparts
• Long, dark tail with reddish-brown to pale bars
• Sexes similar
• United States range includes southern Arizona and Texas

Similar species:

The Northern Pygmy-Owl is most similar to the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl and is best separated by its spotted not streaked crown, voice and habitat. The Northern Pygmy-Owl is found at 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.