The Ferruginous Pygmy Owl is one of the most remarkable small owls in the Americas. Known for its tiny size and bold nature, this owl is commonly found throughout Costa Rica, where it thrives in a variety of habitats. Below is a detailed overview of this species, focusing on both its general characteristics and its significance in Costa Rica.
Identification
Size: 15–17 cm (5.9–6.7 in) in length, wingspan about 38 cm (15 in).
Weight: Around 62 g (2.2 oz)
Plumage: Rusty-brown upperparts with streaked white underparts. Some owls have gray or cinnamon coloring. They feature distinctive “false eyes”—dark spots on the back of their heads that help deter predators.
Distinctive Features: Bright yellow eyes, large talons, and a stocky build.
Sexual Dimorphism: Females are slightly larger and often more reddish than males.
Range and Habitat of Ferruginous Pigmy Owl
Global Range:
The owl’s range spans from southern Arizona and Texas in the United States, down through Mexico, Central America, and into South America, reaching as far south as Argentina. Despite its wide distribution, it is most commonly observed in tropical environments like Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Specific:
In Costa Rica, the Ferruginous Pygmy Owl is commonly found in lowland forests and semi-open woodlands, thriving in both the Pacific and Caribbean regions. It prefers areas with dry forests, riverine woodlands, and forest edges, and can even adapt to suburban areas with sufficient tree cover. This owl is particularly abundant in the Guanacaste Province, known for its dry forests, and the Caribbean lowlands.
Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Behavior
Social Structure
Typically seen alone or in pairs. Known for its aggressive territorial behavior, defending its territory from larger birds. In Costa Rica, the owl is frequently mobbed by songbirds as a defense mechanism.
Feeding
The Ferruginous Pygmy Owl is a skilled hunter, primarily feeding on a variety of prey. Its diet includes:
- Insects: Grasshoppers, cicadas, crickets, beetles, and moths.
- Small birds: Often capturing prey twice its size.
- Reptiles: Lizards and small snakes.
- Mammals: Small rodents like pygmy mice.
Vocalization
Its call is a repetitive, high-pitched whistle (“hoo-hoo-hoo”), commonly used to establish territory or attract a mate.
Birders in Costa Rica often use this call to attract and locate the owl.
Breeding and Nesting
Nesting Season: Breeds typically in late winter to early spring, with simple displays involving mutual vocalizations.
Nest Sites: Nests in tree cavities or holes made by woodpeckers, sometimes in saguaro cacti. In Costa Rica, nests are often found in large, old trees.
Clutch Size: Lays 1-7 white eggs.
Incubation: The female incubates for around 28 days, and young fledge 27-30 days after hatching. The male delivers food to the female and chicks during the incubation and early fledging period.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Globally, the Ferruginous Pygmy Owl is classified as Least Concern, with an estimated population of 20-50 million individuals.
In the United States, populations in Arizona and Texas are endangered due to habitat loss and development.
Threats: Habitat loss due to agriculture, urbanization, and deforestation.
Conservation Efforts: In the U.S., the species is listed as endangered in specific regions, particularly in Arizona. In Costa Rica, ongoing forest conservation helps protect this species.
Birdwatching Tips for Costa Rica
Best Time to see Ferruginous Pygmy Owl
For birdwatchers, Costa Rica offers excellent opportunities to see the Ferruginous Pygmy Owl. The owl is relatively common and can be spotted year-round in lowland areas.
Locations
- Guanacaste Province (dry forests and tropical scrublands)
- Caribbean Lowlands (riverine woodlands and forest edges)
- National Parks: Santa Rosa and Palo Verde in Guanacaste are ideal locations.
Equipment
Binoculars, a camera with a good zoom lens, and a bird call app to help identify their distinctive song.
Listening
To increase your chances of spotting this owl, listen for its distinctive whistling call, often heard at dawn and dusk, or look for small birds mobbing it.
Did you know?
- The Ferruginous Pygmy Owl is widespread on the Pacific side of Costa Rica but can also be found in the northern Caribbean Lowlands.
- Top locations to spot this owl are the Tarcoles River Estuary, La Ensenada Reserve, Orotina and in backyard and hotel gardens in the Central Valley.
- These Owls are presumed to be monogamous. They form pairs during the fall of their first year after hatching. They will nest for the first time the following spring.
- Because they are active during daylight hours, they are often mistaken for a passerine.
- When this Owl is bothered or agitated it has a unique habit of jerking its tail up and down and side to side.
- When surprised the Owl will usually dive steeply from its perch, reaching one meter from the ground before quickly changing course and gliding back up to a safe perch.
- Ferruginous Pygmy Owls love to preen. They will take care of their own feathers but can also be seen in pairs, preening each other.