 
At six inches tall, the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl is only about the size of an Eastern Bluebird. But this stocky little owl is a formidable predator, with outsized feet and talons that allow it to attack prey up to twice its size. It's named for rusty-colored plumage on its long, barred tail. When agitated, the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl cocks its tail up and down and swings it from side to side.
Like other pygmy-owls, the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl lacks ear tufts and is active throughout the day, a habit it also shares with the Northern Hawk-Owl. One especially interesting plumage feature helps protect the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (and other pygmy-owls) from other birds — both potential predators and prey.
Which field mark gives this little owl "eyes in the back of its head”?
    Help the Declining “Cactus” Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl
Although the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl is one of the most common owls in Central and South America, some populations are in trouble. One subspecies, the "Cactus" Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl of Arizona, has declined steeply. It was listed as Endangered between 1997 and 2006, and now the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to list it once more as Threatened. Migratory Bird Joint Ventures in the area are working to protect habitat for this subspecies, but they need sufficient funding for their work.
Speak up now to ensure that Migratory Bird Joint Ventures have the resources needed to protect birds like the pygmy-owl.
Explore these featured bird species:
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