A small, stocky, diurnal owl with proportionally long tail, rare in Southeast Arizona and Southern Texas. Adult is reddish-brown overall with a white belly overlaid by black streaks; dark wings, back, breast, and head, streaked crown, blackish tail with rufous barring; and yellow eyes. Two black patches on back of head act as false eye spots. Sexes are similar. Northern Pygmy-Owl of western mountains is similar, but has spotted crown and white bars on tail.

Length: 17 (cm) Wingspan: 30 (cm)

Voice:

Single whistle repeated in quick series, higher pitch than Northern Pygmy-Owl.

Habitat:

Arid woodlands and deserts.

Behavior:

Diurnal, active especially at dawn and dusk. Nest is in tree cavity. Generally solitary except at nest site.

Feeding:

Hunts from elevated perch; eats rodents, birds, and other small animals. Known to be fierce; sometimes takes prey larger than itself.