Ferruginous pygmy-owl
The ferruginous pygmy owl (Glaucidium brasilianum ) is a small owl that breeds in south-central Arizona and southern Texas in the United States, south through Mexico and Central America, to South America into Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina. It is the most widely distributed pygmy owl and is probably one of the most numerous owl species in Central America and South America.
The ferruginous pygmy-owl is a small and stocky bird with disproportionately large feet and talons. The crown has elongated white/buff streaks, the wing coverts have white spots, and the underparts are heavily streaked white. There are prominent white supercilia above the facial disc and dark two spots on the nape, often termed "false eyes" by birders. The overall color of these birds is highly variable, ranging from grey-brown with a black-and-white barred tail to rich rufous with a uniform rufous tail. The males and females are similar in appearance although females are slightly larger and often more reddish in color.
Ferruginous pygmy owls breed in south-central Arizona and southern Texas in the United States, south through Mexico and Central America, to South America into Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina. These birds live in a wide range of semi-open wooded habitats; they can be found in a tropical and subtropical forest, forest edges, riverine forest, dry oak woodlands, bushy areas, saguaro desert, and mesquite.
Ferruginous pygmy owls usually spend their time singly or in pairs. They move by walking and hopping from branch to branch and also make short, direct flights. Their flight is often undulating in motion, similar to that of many woodpecker species. When excited or feeling danger, the birds will cock their tail and move it from side to side. Ferruginous pygmy owls are crepuscular but often hunt by day. They hunt from a perch and when the prey is spotted they will dart out in very rapid flight grabbing it with talons. Ferruginous pygmy owls usually become vocal around sunrise and sunset. Their main call is a whistled hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo. It is easily imitated and is used by birdwatchers to attract small birds intent on mobbing the pygmy owls.
Ferruginous pygmy owls are carnivores and hunt a variety of insects, birds, mammals, and occasionally reptiles.
Ferruginous pygmy owls are monogamous and form strong long-lasting pair bonds. They breed from late winter to early spring. Pairs nest in cavities in cactus or tree holes made by woodpeckers. The female lays 1-7 white eggs and incubates them within 28 days. The male brings food during the incubation and first weeks after hatching. The owlets fledge when they are 27-30 days old and become independent from their parents approximately 3 weeks later.
The main threat that faces Ferruginous pygmy owls is habitat loss. The northernmost subspecies, commonly called the Cactus ferruginous pygmy owl, loses its habitat due to buffel grass fires. Buffel grass catches fire very easily, which spreads to cacti and burns the owl's primary habitat.
According to the What Bird resource, the total population size of the Ferruginous pygmy owl is around 50 million individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List but its numbers today are decreasing.