Eurasian Pygmy Owl
Glaucidium passerinum
The Eurasian pygmy owl is usually red-tinged to a greyish-brown with dots on its back. The tail is generally darker than the body with five narrow, whitish bars. It has a small, short head with white to grey eyebrows and yellow eyes. It lacks the ear tufts that many other owls have. There is a white half-collar on the back of the neck. The belly is mostly white with brown speckles. The beak is a greyish-yellow and hook-shaped. In order to be able to carry larger vertebrate prey, it has evolved disproportionately large feet. The legs and toes are a brownish-yellow with black talons. Voice: The call of the Eurasian pygmy owl is much higher in pitch than what is generally perceived as a normal owl "hoot". The call of the male is a monotonous chain of clear, fluted notes spaced by about two seconds. The call of the female is similar, but higher in pitch. Before and after the mating season, both males and females make a five to seven note rise on the pitch scale.
ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Northern Pygmy Owl
Glaucidium gnoma
The adult mountain pygmy owl is approximately 15–17 cm (5.9–6.7 in) in length. Males weigh from 48 to 54 g (1.7–1.9 oz); however, reverse sexual dimorphism indicates that adult females are larger in mass reaching 60 to 73 g (2.1–2.6 oz). The wing length of a male is 86–89 mm (3.4–3.5 in) and that of a female is 87–98 mm (3.4–3.8 in), while the tail of both sexes can reach 61–66 mm (2.1–2.6 in). Adult plumage color is similar to that of most pygmy owls. The chest and throat are white, while the face is a deeper brown. Voice: There is limited information regarding specific seasonal calls or songs, pertaining to the mountain pygmy owl. However, it is suggested that vocal behavior observed in the Eurasian pygmy owl (G. passerinum) can be applied to the other pygmy owl species.
ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Play today's Daily BirdPhotos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Eurasian Pygmy Owl and Northern Pygmy Owl.