Northern Pygmy-Owl

Glaucidium gnoma

The mountain pygmy owl (Glaucidium gnoma) is a small species of owl from the family Strigidae. They reside throughout southern Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico.

There is current taxonomic debate regarding its classification as an independent species or subspecies from that of the northern pygmy owl. Similar plumage colour and different vocal patterns are the primary characteristics fuelling this confusion.

The mountain pygmy owl hunts for small mammals and insects during the day from its high perches in pine-forested mountains, at elevations of 1,500 to 3,500 m. Breeding occurs once the female has chosen the appropriate cavity to form her nest. The female mountain pygmy owl will lay eggs between May and June. Owlets will leave their nests 23-30 days, after hatching. Although the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has ranked this species as least-concerned, the increase in deforestation could impact the future population.