The northern pygmy owl is one
of the least studied owls on Vancouver Island.
Blue listed by the Provincial Government, its
population is on the decline due to loss of old growth forest habitat and
forest fragmentation. Smaller and darker in
color than the mainland species, this species is very difficult to
find and is rarely seen. There are about 500 breeding pairs on the
Island.
Askbud Home Animals Lakes & Rivers Island Shores Plants Tourism
Pygmy Owl
Last Next return To Birds Of Prey
The Northern Pygmy Owl is a small, long tailed owl, with yellow eyes and feet. It has small ear tufts, which are seldom seen in the field. It is a reddish brown color and spotted with white.
Like all members of owls, it has false eye spots, black outlined in white, on the back of its neck. Its belly is white, with dark streaks.
Northern Pygmy Owls breed in coniferous and mixed forests. They prefer areas with scattered openings in thick old growth forest settings.
While they are most active at dawn and dusk, Northern Pygmy Owls are sometimes seen during the day. They usually perch in the open of a high tree or snag. They usualy bob their heads and will hold their tails to one side after flicking them up and down. Northern Pygmy Owls fast enough to catch prey in flight.
Northern Pygmy Owls eat rodents, large insects, and small birds.
Pairs form in the spring. Northern Pygmy Owls nest in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes. They do not add nest material. The female incubates 3 to 4 eggs for about 28 days. While she is brooding, the male brings her food. The female stays on the nest and broods the young for the first week or so after they hatch, before leaving to hunt for herself. During this time, the male continues to bring food to the nest. The young begin to fly in about 4 weeks.
Last Next return To Birds Of Prey