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A photo of a Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum)
Eurasian Pygmy Owl

Eurasian Pygmy Owl

Glaucidium passerinum

The Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum) is the smallest owl in Europe. It is a 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. This is a sedentary species, meaning that adults are resident throughout the year in its range. The exception may be during harsh winters, when the adults may move south. Young of the species usually move in autumn or winter. 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. 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.
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Eurasian Pygmy Owls on Birda

Sightings

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Profile picture for Kolja Bodendieck
Kolja Bodendieck
Friday 17 Mar 2023 - 5:41pm
Germany
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🦉
Maiju
Wednesday 15 Feb 2023 - 7:55pm
Finland
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🦅
Kristian Kõiv
Sunday 05 Feb 2023 - 9:24am
Estonia
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Lisa Kreye
Saturday 07 Jan 2023 - 10:40am
Finland
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