The Northern Pygmy Owl may be small, but it can take down prey that weighs multiple times its own body weight. The pair of large eye-spots on the back of its neck likely help help deter potential attackers and may also confuse flocks of small birds attempting to drive this fierce predator away.
Northern Pygmy-Owl
Glaucidium gnoma
Photo:
The State of Canada's Birds is presented in partnership by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada.
Northern Pygmy-Owl
Status and Trends
Distribution
Methods
The State of Canada's Birds is presented in partnership by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada.
Did you know
Summary
Trend
Moderate Increase
Confidence: Medium
Goal
Within Goal Range
The Northern Pygmy-Owl is a year-round resident of coniferous and deciduous forests in British Columbia and southwestern Alberta. The Canadian population is approximately 67,000 individuals, representing 37% of the global population and a moderate degree of responsibility for Canada. The Christmas Bird Count indicates that the Canadian population has undergone a moderate increase since 1970. There is medium confidence in this status, as the Breeding Bird Survey has similar overall reliability but indicates little change over the same period. The national population of Northern Pygmy-Owl is within its goal range.
Migration Strategy
Resident
Canadian Responsibility
Population Estimates
Breeding
67,000
Annual
67,000
Global
180,000
Related readings
Summary report
View the report
Trends from this species and others are rolled up into The State of Canada’s Birds Summary Report. Follow the link below to view the report, learn more about birds in Canada, and see how we can all help birds.
This species is included in the following analysis groups for the report:
Birds of Prey
Forest Birds
Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada. 2024. The State of Canada’s Birds – Northern Pygmy-Owl. Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada.
https://doi.org/10.71842/t38d-et14
The State of Canada's Birds is presented in partnership by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada.
Did you know
The Northern Pygmy Owl may be small, but it can take down prey that weighs multiple times its own body weight. The pair of large eye-spots on the back of its neck likely help help deter potential attackers and may also confuse flocks of small birds attempting to drive this fierce predator away.
Distribution and Occurrence
7470
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Get Involved
Citizen Science is vital to monitoring birds in Canada. Participating in programs like the ones below helps monitor this species.
Breeding Bird Survey
Christmas Bird Count
Great Backyard Bird Count
Become a Citizen Scientist today!
Follow the link below to learn about more programs that you can participate in to help monitor birds in Canada.
Learn more
Related readings
Summary report
View the report
Trends from this species and others are rolled up into The State of Canada’s Birds Summary Report. Follow the link below to view the report, learn more about birds in Canada, and see how we can all help birds.
This species is included in the following analysis groups for the report:
Birds of Prey
Forest Birds
Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada. 2024. The State of Canada’s Birds – Northern Pygmy-Owl. Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada.
https://doi.org/10.71842/t38d-et14