The Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum) is the smallest owl in Europe. It is dark reddish to greyish-brown, with spotted sides and half of a white ring around the back of the neck. This species is found in the boreal forests of Northern and Central Europe to Siberia. The type locality is Sweden. The specific epithet is from Latin passerinus meaning "sparrow-like" implying "sparrow sized". This owl is now placed in the genus Glaucidium that was introduced in 1826 by the German zoologist Friedrich Boie.

Two subspecies are recognised:

Nest boxes that do not have such a sufficiently thick front wall are seldom used for breeding and instead function as food storage.

It prefers conifers but will occupy birches and beeches.

Pairs form in autumn through early spring. During courtship the male leads the female through his territory. If he has obtained a nest hole, he leads her to it. The male will also feed the female.

This species is serially monogamous, forming bonded pairs for one or more breeding seasons. The male is territorial and may use the same nesting territory for up to seven years. The female lays about four to seven eggs, generally in April. They are incubated for four weeks, starting when the third egg is laid. They hatch nearly simultaneously and the female remains with them for nine to ten days, being fed by the male.

After three weeks the young are active and the female returns to the nest only to feed them and clean out waste. Fledging occurs at 30 to 34 days. The chicks remain close to the nest for a few days before departing.

Food and feeding

The diet of the Eurasian pygmy owl includes mostly small mammals, such as voles, lemmings, bats, and mice, and small birds such as thrushes, crossbills, chaffinches, and leaf-warblers. They are able to catch birds in flight. Other prey items may include lizards, fish, and insects. Pygmy owls store large quantities of small mammals and birds in the food stores they collect in the autumn and that will be used throughout the winter to supplement their diet. Their food hoarding behaviour is deeply influenced by weather conditions, making them susceptible to climatic changes.

References

  • Sparks, J. and T. Soper. Owls. New York: Facts On File, 1989.
  • Wardhaugh, A. A. Owls of Britain and Europe. Dorset: Blandford Press, 1983.
  • Eurasian Pygmy Owl videos, photos & sounds on the Internet Bird Collection