The Northern Pygmy-Owl, like all Pygmy-Owls, is diurnal (active in the daytime). It is a small but very bold and ferocious predator that will attack prey more than twice its size. Here you will find photos, recordings and a brief field notes section to help identify and enjoy this beautiful owl. A more in depth write up and range map can be found in its natural history page (the Biology link). To jump immediately to any of these sections use the Page Jump Links below.

 The Northern Pygmy-Owl is a diurnal owl, although mostly crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), and is rarely seen and/or heard at night. This small owl is unlikely to be confused with any other owl, in North America, except in a very small region of southern Arizona where there is a overlapping range with the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, although the Northern Pygmy is generally at higher elevations. The Ferruginous Pygmy also has a "popping" primary call that help to separate these small owls. The Northern Pygmy-Owl is grayish brown with a white chest that has bold dark brown streaking; it has a long narrow tail that is crossed with  white bars and buffy white spotting on the forehead, sides and back. There are two black patches on its nape that vaguely resemble a pair of extra eyes; it has a pale grayish yellow bill and bright yellow iris (eyes). This owl lacks ear tufts. Often seen as the lead bird in a cloud of screaming (mobbing) song birds. Length is 6 3/4" (slightly smaller than a White-crowned Sparrow) and the sexes are alike.