The Eurasian Pygmy Owl, Glaucidium passerinum

The Eurasian Pygmy Owl, Glaucidium passerinum, is the smallest owl in Europe. These owls are a dark reddish to greyish-brown, with spotted sides and half of a white ring around the back of their neck. The owl preys on birds – some nearly as large as itself – and small mammals, such as voles. It is found in the boreal forests of Northern and Central Europe to Siberia, usually at the edges of clearings. It nests in old woodpecker holes, often those of the Great Spotted Woodpecker. This is a sedentary species, meaning that adults are resident throughout the year in its range. The exception would be during harsh winters, when the adults may move south. Young of the species usually move in autumn or winter. In the wild Eurasian Pygmy Owls may live six to seven years and sometimes even longer in captivity. This Starling-sized bird hunts at dawn, dusk, and even daytime, rather than in total darkness.