Glaucidium gnoma
Even when the Northern Pygmy-Owl is looking the other way, two dark, false 'eyes' on the back of its head stare blankly toward you. Because larger birds and mammals are less likely to attack a bird that is looking in their direction, the pygmy owl is able to 'guard' its own back. The appropriately named pygmy-owl is our smallest owl, but it regularly catches prey that outweigh it. In fierce battles, the owl is often dragged some distance before it kills its prey. By imitating this owl's whistled call, birders are frequently mobbed by chickadees, which do not discriminate when they hear the simple notes. The scientific name gnoma is Greek for 'knowledge and wisdom.' |
I.D.: Sexes similar: long tail; dark breast; 2 false 'eyes' on the nape; dark belly streaks on light underparts; no ear tufts; dark face; light bill; yellow eyes; white chin; gray and red color phases. Size: L 7 in. (18 cm); W 15 in. (38 cm). Range: uncommon year-round resident in Jasper and Banff NPs; and in the U.S. Rockies. Habitat: coniferous, deciduous or mixed forests, often in riparian regions, in the foothills and the montane; occasionally in townsites in winter. Nesting: typically west of the Rockies; in abandoned woodpecker cavities and natural tree hollows; nest is usually unlined; female incubates 3-4 eggs for about 28 days. Feeding: usually between dusk and dawn; swoops from a perch; eats small rodents, large insects, small birds, reptiles and amphibians. Voice: single, evenly spaced (about 3 every 2 seconds), whistled whew-whew-whew-whew; continuous and easily imitated. Similar Species: Northern Hawk Owl: much larger; no false 'eyes.' |
