Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl
Glaucidium brasilianum cactorum
Cactus ferruginous pygmy-owls are one of three subspecies of the ferruginous pygmy-owl. They have longer tails than most owls, are reddish-brown with a cream colored belly and have a crown that is lightly streaked. Cactus ferruginous pygmy-owls have yellow eyes and no ear tufts.
Length Average length is 6.7 inches
Weight The males average weight is 2.2 ounces and females 2.6 ounces
Diet
Birds, lizards, insects, small mammals, frogs and earthworms
Population
Since 1996, authorities in Arizona have found anywhere from 12-41 adult pygmy owls a year, and in 2006, surveyors spotted only 28 owls. The population in northern Mexico is also imperiled, with a documented 4.4% decline per year for the past 7 years, or a 26% decline overall since 2000.
Range
The range of the western subspecies stretches from central and southern Arizona south through Sonora and Sinaloa, Mexico. The eastern subspecies ranges from southern Texas and Tamaulipas to the remainder of states in Mexico. The remaining subspecies is found in South America.
Behavior
Cactus ferruginous pygmy-owls are non-migratory. They produce a monotonous call of a series of short notes and are partly nocturnal (active during the night) and diurnal (active during the day).
Reproduction
Mating Season Late winter to early spring
Gestation 28 days
Clutch size 3-5 eggs
Cactus ferruginous pygmy-owls nest in tree cavities or certain species of cactus. Owlets leave their nest 28 days after hatching.
Threats
Habitat loss, particularly the loss of at least 85% of Arizona’s riparian areas due to development, livestock grazing, water withdrawal and other factors.
Legal Status/Protection
The owl was listed as endangered under the *Endangered Species Act in 1997, but was removed from the list as a result of litigation by development industry groups. Defenders of Wildlife and other groups filed a petition to re-list the species as endangered in March 2007.
*The Endangered Species Act requires the US federal government to identify species threatened with extinction, identify habitat they need to survive, and help protect both. In doing so, the Act works to ensure the basic health of our natural ecosystems and protect the legacy of conservation we leave to our children and grandchildren.
How You Can Help
- Help pygmy owls and other wildlife by adopting an animal at our Wildlife Adoption Center.
- Take Action for Wildlife at our Wildlife Action Center.
For additional information
Visit Defenders' Imperiled Species: Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owl pages for more information about what Defenders is doing to help.
