Northern Pygmy Owl

The northern pygmy owl (Glaucidium californicum) is a small owl native to western North America. Adults are 15–17 cm in overall length and are gray, brownish-gray or rufous in colour. This owl has a round white-spotted head, weakly defined facial disc, and dark upper breast, wings and tail, the latter quite long compared to other owls. The eyes are yellow and the bill is yellowish-green. The bird has two black nape spots outlined in white on the back of its head, which look like eyes. The mid to lower breast is white with darker vertical streaking. Legs are feathered down to the four well-armed toes on each foot.