
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.
Field Notes
Expanded Life History
Feed Ecology And Diet | Contribute Content |
Nesting Habits | Contribute Content |
Migration Status | Contribute Content |
Conservation Status | Contribute Content |
Local Sites to Spot | Contribute Content |
Abundance Status | Contribute Content |
Adult Male Description | Contribute Content |
Adult Female Description | Contribute Content |
ITIS Taxonomic Number | Contribute Content |
Sonogram | Contribute Content |
Courtship | Contribute Content |
Reproductive Characteristics | Contribute Content |
Relationship to Humans | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Size & Shape | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Color & Pattern | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Habitat | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Behavior | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Wingspan | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Weight | Contribute Content |
Breeding | Contribute Content |
Cool Facts | Contribute Content |
Local Knowledge | Contribute Content |
Post a Question
Sightings
Date | Submitted By | Count |
---|
Recent Activity
Activity | Date & Time |
---|---|