The Eurasian pygmy owl is the smallest owl in Europe. It is a dark reddish to greyish-brown, with spotted sides and half of a white ring around the back of the neck. This species is found in the boreal forests of Northern and Central Europe to Siberia.
Region
Northern Palearctic
Typical Environment
Occurs across boreal and montane coniferous forests from Scandinavia and the Baltic region through Central Europe (Alps and Carpathians) to Siberia. Prefers mature spruce, fir, and mixed conifer–broadleaf woodland with abundant cavities and forest edges. Local in mountainous pockets further south where cool, dense forests persist. Often uses areas with natural openings, clearings, and riparian strips that aid hunting from low perches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Continental
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Eurasian pygmy owl is the smallest owl in Europe, yet it is a bold predator that often hunts by day. It frequently caches surplus prey in tree cavities or dense foliage for later use. A distinctive pair of white nuchal spots on the back of the head mimics eyes and may deter attackers.
Chicks in a nest box
Egg
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights between perches
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside the breeding season and defends small territories. Nests in old woodpecker cavities or natural holes, laying a clutch usually in spring. The male provisions the incubating female and later the young; pairs may reuse favored territories across years.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The song is a series of clear, mellow whistled toots, spaced evenly every few seconds and carrying far in still forest air. Calls include higher-pitched notes and soft trills, most frequent at dawn and dusk during the breeding season.
Plumage
Dark reddish- to greyish-brown above with fine white spotting; underparts white with narrow brown streaks. Compact, rounded head with no ear tufts and dense, soft plumage. Back of neck shows two bold white spots bordered darker, forming false 'eyes'.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small mammals such as voles and mice, and also takes small birds, shrews, and large insects. Hunts from low to mid-level perches, making short dashes to seize prey. Often stores excess prey in cavities or dense branches to eat later, especially in cold months.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, and within structured conifer stands where visibility between trunks is good. Uses perch-and-pounce tactics from saplings, snags, and lower canopy branches.
