The Baja pygmy owl or cape pygmy owl, is a subspecies of northern pygmy owl restricted to the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. Although some taxonomists, including the International Ornithologists' Union, consider it to be a distinct species, other authorities, including the American Ornithological Society, do not consider it separate, and consider it to be a subspecies of the northern pygmy owl.
Region
Baja California Peninsula
Typical Environment
This owl is confined to the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, primarily within the Sierra de la Laguna and surrounding foothills. It occupies pine–oak woodlands, riparian corridors, thorn-scrub, and oasis habitats interspersed within otherwise arid landscapes. It favors areas with scattered trees for hunting from perches and cavities for nesting. In the driest zones it is most often found along arroyos and canyon bottoms with denser vegetation.
Altitude Range
0–2200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Cape Pygmy-Owl, it is restricted to the Cape region of Baja California Sur, Mexico. Some authorities treat it as a distinct species while others lump it within the Northern Pygmy-Owl complex. Like other pygmy-owls, it is partly diurnal and often mobbed by small songbirds. It shows prominent dark nape spots that resemble false eyes to deter predators.
Temperament
bold and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside the breeding season and highly territorial. Nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes, with the pair defending a small territory. Clutch size is small, and both parents participate in provisioning the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a steady series of clear, evenly spaced toots that can carry far in still air. Also produces soft whistles and chatter during close interactions and territorial encounters.
Plumage
Compact, small owl with finely spotted crown and white-streaked underparts; back shows white spotting. Nape bears bold dark circular patches that mimic eyes. Plumage varies from gray-brown to rufous morphs, often with a crisp white throat.
Diet
A perch-hunter that takes large insects such as beetles and grasshoppers, as well as small lizards, rodents, and small birds. It uses quick sallies from exposed perches to capture prey on branches or the ground. Prey may be cached in cavities when food is abundant. Like other pygmy-owls, it can be an agile pursuer of small songbirds attracted by mobbing.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along forest edges, arroyos, and semi-open woodlands where perches overlook clear ground or shrub layers. Frequently forages near oases, riparian thickets, and canyon habitats with patchy cover.
