Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (us-RGV)
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Contents |
Regional Information
Range, Abundance, and Seasonal Variations
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls are found year-round in the RGV. When they are vocal they are easily heard but difficult to see in public areas in the RGV. They call much less frequently in the winter months and can go undetected for long periods while still present in the area.
Directions and Maps
The best way to see Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl currently is to participate in a King Ranch tour where this species is a target species. Not all tours seek out the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. They can also be heard (much more rarely seen) at Bentsen State Park and other sites.
General Information
Size
Length: 15cm (??in), Wingspan: ??cm (??in)
Field Marks
The Ferruginous Pygmy Owl is small and stocky, large, rounded head, yellow eyes, crown finely streaked with white. The upperparts are brown, heavily spotted with white on the crown and wing coverts. The underparts are white, streaked with brown. There are prominent white supercilia above the facial disc. There are two eyespots on the nape. The tail is barred brown and black. Sexes are similar. The flight is rapid with long swoops.
Similar species
The Northern Pygmy-Owl is most similar to the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl and is best separated by its spotted not streaked crown, voice and habitat. The Northern Pygmy-Owl is found at higher elevations than the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl.
Sounds
The call is a whistled hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo, usually in E flat.
Feeding & Behavior
This species is mainly nocturnal, but sometimes hunts by day, and can be readily located by the small birds that mob it while it is perched in a tree. It hunts a variety of insects and lizards.
Habitat & Nesting
Open woodland including around human habitation. It nests in a hole in a tree, laying 3-4 white eggs. Incubation is 28 days, with 27-30 days further to fledging.
Range
Breeds in the southern USA, Central America and South America to Bolivia, Argentina, and Trinidad. The US range includes southern Arizona and Texas.
Resources
