The Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-owl (CFPO) is a small owl (6.5 inches) that reaches the northern end of it's range in Southern Arizona. It is fairly common in parts of Sonora (esp. in the South), but is often very localized. Habitat for the CFPO in the Northern 2/3 of the state is patchy. Historically in Arizona the CFPO inhabited areas from Phoenix South, and from Tucson in the East to past Ajo in the West. As of this year they are basically extirpated from the state outside of Organ Pipe, the Tohono O'odham Nation, and the Altar Valley Southwest of Tucson.
Until recently the CFPO was an endangered species in the U.S. There is currently a relisting petition (PDF) by the Tucson based Center for Biological Diversity, but likelyhood of relisting is not high. (May 2007)
In Northern Sonora near the Arizona border the CFPO has been declining significantly since 2000 when Aaron Flesch form the University of Arizona began monitoring their abundance. Aaron released a detailed report in Feb. 2007 and the PDF can be downloaded here. Hopefully monitoring of the CFPO's populations in Sonora will continue.
The pygmy-owl is a charismatic bird... I like calling them charismatic microfauna. They are quite handsome and have a very likable personality. They are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, but can be active at any time of the day, as well on full moon nights when visibility is increased.
CFPO's diet is varied and consist mostly of lizards, birds, small mammals, as well as some invertebrates such as moths, beetles, grasshoppers, and even ants. Hunting is usually accomplished by perching and pouncing on unwary creatures that pass by. They are quite impressive predators with relatively large talons and amazingly take Gila Woodpeckers, huge Spiny Lizards as well as super-quick Whiptails, and apparently a Gambel's Quail from time to time.
Nesting takes place in tree and columnar cactus cavities (almost always Saguaro cavities in the Northern Sonora and Arizona). CFPO's usually lay 3 - 5 roundish eggs in April and take care of young for approximately 4 months before the young start looking for their own territory.
Pygmy-owls have relatively large territories up to 30+ square kilometers and are very territorial. This makes them very detectable as they almost always respond to a broadcast of their call. Their primary call is a short whistle repeated about 2.5 to 3 times a second... hear the male's call here.
The CFPO's preferred habitat in the Sonoran Desert and Semi-desert Grasslands of Northern Sonora is larger, riparian or xero-riparian drainages that have well-developed mesquite woodland. Uplands with mesquite and/or ironwood seem to be preferred, esp. in areas where wash associated vegetation is less developed. Occasionally the owls seem to be able to survive and reproduce in amazingly desolate areas of the Sonoran Desert.
Photos of CFPO's
More info about CFPO's:
-White paper: Significance of the Western Population(s) of the Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (PDF)(Fish and Wildlife Service 2003)
-Distribution, abundance, and habitat of CFPO in Sonora (PDF)(A. Flesch 2003)
-Trends and productivity of CFPO in Northern Sonora (PDF)(A. Flesch 2005)
-Roadways and CFPO's in Northern Sonora (PDF)(A. Flesch 2004)
-Click here for the Center's pygmy-owl page
-Fish and Wildlife Service's pygmy-owl page
Approximately 10 day old pygmy-owl chicks (http://www.owlpages.com)
