Northern Pygmy-Owl
Learn to identify the Northern Pygmy-Owl by ear. Master the "a slow, hollow toot every second or two" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.
What the Northern Pygmy-Owl sounds like
This tiny owl looks almost toy-sized, but it hunts with real swagger. It’s robin-sized with a round head, bright yellow eyes, a long tail, and neat white spots above; flip to the back of the head and you’ll see two dark 'false eyes' that make it look like it’s watching from both directions.
“a slow, hollow toot every second or two”
How to tell it apart
Where you'll hear it
Northern Pygmy-Owls live in conifer and mixed mountain forests, especially along edges, openings, stream corridors, and patchy burned woods. They like places with lookout perches and nearby cover.
Spring is the easiest time to find one, when males give steady, far-carrying toots at dawn, dusk, and even in daylight. They can be active by day in any season, which makes them wonderfully un-owl-like.
Similar species
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Usually more round-headed and shorter-tailed.
Western Screech-Owl
Noticeably larger and bulkier.
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl
Warmer, more reddish-brown overall and often found in drier lowland habitats.