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length 15-19cm or 6-7.5in. Wing span 38cm or 15in. Canada’s smallest
bird of prey has yellow eyes and bill and the largest feet for its size
of all owls. Spots on the nape of its neck mimic large eyes. It has a
long barred tail. Although considered a “hornless” owl, the Pygmy will
flare the feathers over its ears when agitated. An aggressive hunder,
this tiny owl will take prey 3 times it’s own size and weight. This
bird is diurnal and is often found stalking near song bird feeders.
Diet consists of insects, song birds, rodents, scorpions and reptiles.
It prefers higher elevations but can be seen in the valleys during
winter. This non-migratory owl nests in tree cavities and other tight
quarters. Call is a soft cooing, low trill, and a “ook-ook-ook”. |
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