| White throat. Mottled brown band on the
breast. Brown and white barred tail. Black streaks on gray white underside. Inhabits forests (usually coniferous) from the eastern slopes of the Rocky
Mountains to the Pacific Coast from Mexico to British Columbia and Alberta. Similar Pygmy
Owl species inhabit northern Europe.
Builds nests of a few twigs and feathers in natural or abandoned
tree cavities up to seventy five feet high and in nest boxes.
Lays three to six white eggs which hatch which after about one month
incubation and young leave the nest in about another month.
Night hunter of small rodents, reptiles and insects. Swift jerky short flights,
often from tree to tree.
The Pygmy Owl Nestbox (same as
for Saw-whet Owl, Lewis
Woodpecker Flicker, and Grackle)
has a 7" by 7" floor, 16" inside ceiling, 2 1/2" diameter entrance
hole located 14" above the floor and ventilation openings. Assembled with corrosion
resistant screws fit to pre-drilled countersunk pilot holes. Hinged roof is secured
with shutter hooks for easy access.
Mount out of reach (10 feet or higher) near woodland edges or clearings. Place some
wood chips on the floor.
Chester A. Reed |
