Cactus ferruginous pygmy owls are incredably small owls found in southern Arizona and northern Mexico. They only grow to be about 6-7 inches tall and weight 2-3 ounces. The pygmy owl will eat many small critters such as lizards, frogs, earthworms, small birds, small mammals and insects. They are partially nacturnal and partialy diurnal.
Surveyors in southern Arizona recorded only 28 owls in 2006. In Mexico there has also been a decrease in owl population by 26% since 2000 at a rate of 4.4% per year. http://www.defenders.org/wildlife_and_habitat/wildlife/cactus_ferruginous_pygmy_owl.php
After reading about the cactus owl i was very glad to hear about the birth of four baby owls.
ReplyDeleteI think it was to bad that they were born into captivity but what ever it takes to increase the population.
I agree. Its sad that there numbers are so thin, but the owls in captivity are much better protected. and this way the specias can be sustained untill they've been re-listed.
ReplyDeleteAre Pygmy owls nocturnal?
ReplyDeleteyes the are nocturnal, but only partially.
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ReplyDeletewhat is the current population of the cactus owl?
ReplyDeleteOh i see, what are some predators for the pygmy owl?
ReplyDeleteonly about 20 owls and 5 or less nests are located annually.
ReplyDeleteThe pygmy owls are predators themselves, but they do fall prey to other animals such as larger owls, hawks, snakes, and racoons.
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