What does the Northern Pygmy-Owl eat?

The Northern Pygmy-Owl's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Primarily small birds (including juncos, chickadees, kinglets, and even larger prey like doves), small mammals (voles, shrews, mice), and large insects (grasshoppers, beetles).

How it forages

A classic 'sit-and-wait' predator, often perching conspicuously on an exposed branch, scanning for prey. Hunts mainly during the day, particularly dawn and dusk, but also throughout the morning and afternoon. Darts out with rapid, undulating flight to catch prey in mid-air or off branches/ground. Known for taking prey almost its own size or larger.

When it feeds

Mainly diurnal and crepuscular (dawn and dusk), making it more readily observed than most owls. Occasionally hunts at night.

Explore the Northern Pygmy-Owl