Pee Wee (Northern Pygmy Owl)

Glaucidium gnoma

Northern pygmy owls are one of the smallest owls in North America—a little larger than the elf owl. Their basic body coloration is brown, or reddish brown with numerous white to buff spots especially on the head. At the nape of the neck there are two large oval black spots rimmed in white, which vaguely suggest eyes. The vocalization is a series of monotoned toots given at one to two second intervals. They are generally secretive owls and along with their coloration and size, they are easily overlooked. They hunt large prey and due to their fierceness often prevail. They live in mountainous regions usually in abandoned cavities of trees. Their vision at night is 100 times more sensitive than humans and their hearing is equally sensitive. The feathery facial disks help channel sound to their large eardrums. They are capable of turning their head 270 degrees.

Pee Wee suffered a serious injury to his right wing which made it impossible to release him. For his size, he is one of the fiercest owls we have, a fact noted in most bird books. Despite his reputation, volunteers and veterinarian techs often underestimate him, and bandaged fingers are readily in evidence after an encounter. Pee Wee is housed in our infirmary where he can be observed more easily.

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