Fun Eurasian Pygmy Owl Facts For Kids

The Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum) is a small bird that belongs to the Glaucidium genus. These owls are known for their small stature. This owl is a resident on the European continent and it is the smallest owl species in the region.These birds mostly prefer colder temperatures and are found in European taiga and are a sedentary species, meaning they stay cooped up in their own range and will fly to new regions only if there is a scarcity of resources. During the fall and spring seasons, these birds attract attention through their wide range of calls and songs. A false face on the back of their necks protects them from predators.For more relatable content, check out these umbrellabird facts and ovenbird facts for kids.

What do they prey on? Small mammals and small birds

What do they eat? Carnivore

Average litter size? 2-7 eggs

How much do they weigh? 1.6-2.9 oz (47-83 gm)

How long are they? Wingspan: 13.3-14.1 in (34–36 cm)

How tall are they? 5.9-7.4 in (15-19 cm)

What do they look like? Dark reddish to grayish brown

Skin Type Feathers

What were their main threats? Hawks, Other Large Birds, Boreal Owls

What is their conservation status? Least Concern

Where you’ll find them? Coniferous Forests, Mountains

Locations Northern Europe, Central Europe, Scandinavia Eastward To Siberia

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Glaucidium

Class Aves

Family Strigidae

Eurasian Pygmy Owl Interesting FactsWhat type of animal is a Eurasian pygmy owl?The Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum) is a species of owl that is considered to be the smallest owl species found on the European continent. This small bird has a round head and unlike most other owl species, does not have ear tufts.What class of animal does a Eurasian pygmy owl belong to?The Eurasian pygmy owl belongs to the Aves class of animals.How many Eurasian pygmy owls are there in the world?In Europe, these birds are found in abundance in a wide range of breeding habitats. It is estimated that there are 198,000-392,000 mature individuals and Europe has more than 30% of the total population distribution.A global population of 569,000-1,119,000 is estimated of breeding adults and juveniles.Where does a Eurasian pygmy owl live?European pygmy owls have a vast distribution range and are often found in coniferous forests and prefer slightly colder climates like taigas, also known as boreal forests.These birds can also be found in mixed forests and live on the edges of moist and swampy lands with a nearby water source. Eurasian pygmy owls use the nests of woodpeckers during the breeding season to lay eggs in. During the winter season, these birds leave their territory and migrate south to fight the winter and in search of food sources.These owls are found in Siberia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Ukraine, Germany, and other European countries.What is a Eurasian pygmy owl’s habitat?Eurasian pygmy owls are a resident of coniferous forests in higher mountains. These owls prefer semi-open forests with clearings. This bird does not make its own nest and instead uses the holes dug in a tree by woodpeckers as a nesting site. These holes suit them as it provides them with protection and is a perfect fit for their arboreal nature.In their natural habitat, they live in mature fir-dominant forests and are found in an elevation range of 180-2000m (ft)Who do Eurasian pygmy owls live with?Eurasian pygmy owls are solitary in nature and come together only during the breeding season. These owls show sedentary behavior as they do not travel to a new territory or habitat range unless there is a lack of food sources around them or not enough prey in their natural range. At rest, these owls are often seeing bobbing their heads as they cock their tail. Eurasian pygmy owls camouflage themselves on trees as a means to surprise their prey and protect themselves from predators.How long does a Eurasian pygmy owl live?In the wild, Eurasian pygmy owls have an average lifespan of six years, provided there are enough food sources in their habitat range. If not, this bird will migrate on a large scale to a new place and ends up becoming an invasive species, competing for food and prey sources with larger birds, and often find themselves in the territory of these larger owls and becoming prey themselves.There is no record of the lifespan of this bird in captivity.How do they reproduce?Eurasian pygmy owls are monogamous in nature and will form a pair with the same partner during each breeding season. Males and females pair in the fall and the resulting offspring hatch in early spring. April to July is the preferred breeding season for this species and incubation lasts usually four weeks.After laying eggs, the females will incubate their egg batch alone for a small period while the males help out by bringing food to the nest. With the arrival of the male, the female will receive the male and retrieve the food. Females also keep the nest clean during this incubation period and after two to three weeks. The males will join in taking care of the young while the females leave to molt.What is their conservation status?As of now, the Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum) has been listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List thanks to its large-scale population.Eurasian Pygmy Owl Fun FactsWhat do Eurasian pygmy owls look like?The Eurasian owl is the smallest type of owl found on the European continent. These owls have a pale grayish-brown facial disc and have dark lines on their faces that are covered in dark spots. They have whitish eyebrows and yellow eyes.The upper parts of their foliage are chocolate-brown or more of a grayish-brown with a whitish crown. More whitish dots can be found on the back and mantle. The napes of this bird consist of two large black spots that are surrounded by whitish color, making it look like false eyes. In-flight, these feathers look dusky and a brown tone can be seen on the tail feathers with narrow whitish bars. How cute are they?Due to their small size, these birds are cute to the core. The cute face adds to their adorable look!How do they communicate?Eurasian pygmy owls communicate with each other through a series of calls. There are various visual and acoustic methods including the common calls. These owls use their body as a method of tactile communication method. Visual, acoustic, chemically induced, and ultraviolet methods are also used as a means of communication.How big is a Eurasian pygmy owl?The Eurasian pygmy owl is a small owl and has a maximum body length of 5.9-7.4 in (15-19 cm) with a 13.3-14.1 in (34–36 cm) wingspan. In comparison, the burrowing owl is just a bit larger than this small owl at 7.5-9.5 in (19-24 cm) body length and 20-24 in (51-61 cm) wingspan.How fast can a Eurasian pygmy owl fly?Due to a lack of data, the speed at which these owls fly cannot be stated.How much does a Eurasian pygmy owl weigh?This small owl is lightweight and has a maximum bodyweight of 1.6-2.9 oz (47-83 g). The much larger great gray owl weighs 1.3-4.2 lb (589.6-1905 g)!What are the male and female names of the species?No particular name has been assigned as a description of either sex of this bird.What would you call a baby Eurasian pygmy owl?A Eurasian pygmy owl baby is called an owlet. The feathers on the body of a juvenile fall on a darker scale as they become paler in nature as they grow.The young become independent and fledge from the nest at about six to seven weeks of age. After fledging, both the male and female parents will partake in caring for the young until they become independent. The males play a larger role in caring for the young than the females.What do they eat?These owls are carnivorous in nature and have a diet that consists solely of small mammals, reptiles, and insects. In-flight, the wings of these owls are loud, meaning most prey can hear them approach. These owls hunt mostly just before dawn and right after dusk. The chance of catching their prey at dusk is greater as these birds are nocturnal creatures.These owls are known hoarders and will often hoard food sources like voles and lizards between the end of fall and the beginning of winter.Are they dangerous?No. These owls have a docile status and do not go out of their way to harm humans.Would they make a good pet?No, a Eurasian pygmy owl pet is a bad idea as this bird is not a suitable pet since it is a wild animal and will not survive in normal captive conditions.Did you know…Pygmy owls are one of the few owls that do not start incubation until the last egg is laid.A group of owls is called a parliament!The golden masked owl is one of the few species of owls that are listed as a Vulnerable species.Short-eared owls play an important role in the ecosystem as they control the population of rodents.The symmetrical ear of owls helps them in locating locations of multiple sounds.What is the Eurasian pygmy owl’s call?The Eurasian pygmy owl call is lengthy and most of the calls can be heard in the early spring. The call or song consists of 5-10 shrill whistles that grow louder with each call. The song continues in a note of six to seven whistles per 10 seconds. The call is loud enough to be heard 0.6 mi (1 km) away from the initial call location. The call of the young are similar in nature but fall on a shorter scale.How does the Eurasian pygmy owl find a mate? When these owls are of age and are ready to breed, the male will sing to attract the female and if the female joins in, the male will search the forest for a natural, man-made, or a hole in a tree dug by a woodpecker. If the female accepts the nest hole, she will stay near it and frequent the hole. The male will feed the female.Before breeding, the pair will take time and clean the nest and then the female will lay eggs in the nest.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds from our red bird of paradise facts and cardinal bird facts pages.You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable paradise riflebird coloring pages.

What type of animal is a Eurasian pygmy owl?

The Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum) is a species of owl that is considered to be the smallest owl species found on the European continent. This small bird has a round head and unlike most other owl species, does not have ear tufts.

Fun Eurasian Pygmy Owl Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? Small mammals and small birds

What do they eat? Carnivore

Average litter size? 2-7 eggs

How much do they weigh? 1.6-2.9 oz (47-83 gm)

How long are they? Wingspan: 13.3-14.1 in (34–36 cm)

How tall are they? 5.9-7.4 in (15-19 cm)

What do they look like? Dark reddish to grayish brown

Skin Type Feathers

What were their main threats? Hawks, Other Large Birds, Boreal Owls

What is their conservation status? Least Concern

Where you’ll find them? Coniferous Forests, Mountains

Locations Northern Europe, Central Europe, Scandinavia Eastward To Siberia

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Glaucidium

Class Aves

Family Strigidae

Fun Eurasian Pygmy Owl Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? Small mammals and small birds

What do they eat? Carnivore

Average litter size? 2-7 eggs

How much do they weigh? 1.6-2.9 oz (47-83 gm)

How long are they? Wingspan: 13.3-14.1 in (34–36 cm)

How tall are they? 5.9-7.4 in (15-19 cm)

What do they look like? Dark reddish to grayish brown

Skin Type Feathers

What were their main threats? Hawks, Other Large Birds, Boreal Owls

What is their conservation status? Least Concern

Where you’ll find them? Coniferous Forests, Mountains

Locations Northern Europe, Central Europe, Scandinavia Eastward To Siberia

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Glaucidium

Class Aves

Family Strigidae

Fun Eurasian Pygmy Owl Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? Small mammals and small birds

What do they eat? Carnivore

Average litter size? 2-7 eggs

How much do they weigh? 1.6-2.9 oz (47-83 gm)

How long are they? Wingspan: 13.3-14.1 in (34–36 cm)

How tall are they? 5.9-7.4 in (15-19 cm)

What do they look like? Dark reddish to grayish brown

Skin Type Feathers

What were their main threats? Hawks, Other Large Birds, Boreal Owls

What is their conservation status? Least Concern

Where you’ll find them? Coniferous Forests, Mountains

Locations Northern Europe, Central Europe, Scandinavia Eastward To Siberia

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Glaucidium

Class Aves

Family Strigidae