Northern Pygmy Owl (North America)

Glaucidium gnoma (Owls) Strigidae

7-7½ Inches (18-19cm)

Like it happens many times in nature, the encounter with the Northern Pygmy Owl was a pure happenstance. Wandering in the Spruce Mountain open space area, my eyes were attracted by the uncommon undulating flight of this small bird. He perched on a nearby pine tree, staring at me while I was taking some pictures, and probably irritated by my presence. I soon left the area, allowing the gorgeous bird to hunt in peace.

The Northern Pygmy Owl can be found in forests throughout the Western part of North America, from Alaska to the mountains of northern Central America. My good luck was made possible by the fact that this owl occasionally hunts during the day, valiantly chasing other birds sometimes bigger than itself. They nest in an abandoned tree hole, 4-6 white eggs.