Eurasian Pygmy-Owl

Eurasion pygmy-owl
Finland, June 2003
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae Genus: Glaucidium Species: passerinum
Binomial name
Glaucidium passerinum

The Eurasion pygmy owl, Glaucidium passerinum, is a tiny owl. It preys on birds - some nearly as large as itself - and small mammals, such as voles.

It is found in the boreal forests of Eurasia, usually at the edges of clearings. It nests in old Woodpecker holes, often those of Great Spotted Woodpecker.

This is a sedentary species, resident throughout the year in its range. This Starling-sized bird hunts at dawn and dusk, rather than in total darkness.

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Note that it is illegal in many countries to handle wild birds. The hand in the picture on this page is that of a licenced bird ringer.