Eurasian Pygmy Owl
Glaucidium passerinum
The Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum) is a uncommon owl found in 32 countries, weighing about 58 g. The Eurasian pygmy owl is the smallest owl in Europe.
About the Eurasian Pygmy Owl
The Eurasian pygmy owl 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.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
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.
What the Eurasian Pygmy Owl sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Belgium, Netherlands, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Luxembourg.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in March. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Eurasian Pygmy Owl?
- The Eurasian pygmy owl is usually red-tinged to a greyish-brown with dots on its back. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Eurasian Pygmy Owl?
- The Eurasian Pygmy Owl is a small sized bird weighing about 58 g.
- Where can you see a Eurasian Pygmy Owl?
- The Eurasian Pygmy Owl occurs in 32 countries, including Sweden, Finland, Norway, France and Germany.
- What does a Eurasian Pygmy Owl sound like?
- You can listen to 3 field recordings of the Eurasian Pygmy Owl on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Eurasian Pygmy Owl?
- The Eurasian Pygmy Owl is most easily confused with the Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, the Jungle Owlet and the Northern Pygmy Owl.
- Is the Eurasian Pygmy Owl endangered?
- The Eurasian Pygmy Owl is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Eurasian Pygmy Owl for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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