- Glaucidium californicum
Identification
Other names: Northern Pygmy Owls have also been called Pygmy Owl, Rocky Mountain Pygmy Owl, Vancouver Pygmy Owl, California Pygmy Owl, and Dwarf Owl. 18.5 cm. It has greyish or brownish or reddish (3 morphs; intermediates are also known) upperparts and light belly that is boldly streaked with brown. The head and nape have whitish dots (more cinnamon or buff on red morph). On the nape are 2 distinctive, vertical black patches that resemble an extra pair of eyes. The relatively long tail is distinctly barred with 6 to 7 light stripes. Eyes are yellow, bill is yellowish-horn, and the toes are greyish-yellow. Juveniles are similar to adults but with unspotted and greyer heads, and fluffy plumage.
Distribution
West North America
Taxonomy
Once considered a subspecies of Mountain Pygmy Owl Glaucidium gnoma. The bird pictured from San Mateo County, California is of the nominate subspecies Glaucidium c. californicum. Two other subspecies exists, swarthi is a dark subspecies from Vancouver Island, and pinicola in eastern part of range, possibly to northern Mexico.
Habitat
Open coniferous and mixed forests from valley bottoms up to treeline.
Behaviour
This is a diurnal owl (active in daytime).
Diet includes small mammals, small to medium sized birds, reptiles, larger insects, and amphibians within their range. The Owl's preference seems to be mice, birds, and large insects with studies indicating that about 90% of their diet is comprised of small mammals and birds. During winter, surplus prey is cached in a cavity, often in large quantities. These caches help small owls like these meet their metabolic needs during very cold winter periods. Summer caches are usually much smaller.
They nest in natural tree cavities. 3 to 7 eggs are laid and incubated by the female for about 29 days, while the male brings food and defends the nest.
