Northern Pygmy-Owls (Glaucidium gnoma) in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rashid S. 1999. Northern Pygmy-Owls (Glaucidium gnoma) in Rocky Mountain National Park. Journal of the Colorado Field Ornithologists. Journal of the Colorado Field Ornithologists Vol. 33, No. 2 pages 78-101
Natural History Report on the Pygmy Owl. While hiking on a mid February day in Rocky Mountain National Park, I hear off in the distance a distinctive series of single-note, whistle toots. As I get closer to the sounds, I notice that Pygmy Nuthatchs (Sitta pygmaea) and Mountain Chickadees (Poecile gambeli) seem nervous. Then I see the reason for their discontent. It's a Northern Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium gnoma), "public enemy number one." Often songbirds mob these little woodland owls because they will prey on small birds. From hummingbirds to Steller's Jays (Cyanocitta stelleri), few songbirds are safe when the Northern Pygmy-Owl is on the prowl.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Rashid, Scott
- Date of Issue
- 1999-04
- Units
- ROMO
- Keywords
- Natural History, Northern Pygmy Owl, Prey and hunting behavior, Territory
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Birds