Ferruginous pygmy owl – Glaucidium brasilianum

This small owl belongs to the Strigidae family.

It lives on the American continents; it is found in south-central Arizona in the United Sates, south through Mexico and Central America, to South America into Bolivia and Argentina. In Central America and South America, it is the most widely distributed pygmy owl and is probably one of the most numerous owl species in those areas. It is found in a wide range of semi-open wooded habitats in these areas

It is a carnivorous and eat small birds, small mammals, frogs, worms and lizards. It is itself a predator and a prey of large birds. It has an excellent view that  allows it to watch its prey at long distances. Its heels are very large compared to its body. It uses them to climb in the cactus without suffering bites.

It is active from morning to night hunting and preferably before dark.

The ferruginous pygmy owl mating season is from late winter to early spring. It is a cavity nesting bird, in tree and columnar cactus cavities. The female lays 3 to 5 white eggs. Incubation lasts 28 days, with 27 to 30 days to fledging.

It does not migrate and the species is not endangered.