Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-owl (Glaucidium brasilianum cactorum)

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Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-owlThe 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 somewhat 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 the Phoenix area south and west, and from Tucson in the east to beyond Ajo in the west. As of this 2007 they are mostly extirpated from the state outside of Organ Pipe, the Tohono O'odham Nation, and the Altar Valley Southwest of Tucson.

The CFPO was an endangered species in the U.S., but lost it's status. There is currently a relisting petition (PDF) by the Tucson based Center for Biological Diversity, but likelihood 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 numbers. He released this detailed report in 2008.

The pygmy-owl is a very 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 white, roundish eggs in April and take care of young for approximately 4 months before the young start disbursing to find a territory of their own.

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 broadcasts of their call. CFPO territorial call is a short whistle repeated about 2.5 to 3 times a second... hear the male's call.

The CFPO's preferred habitat in the Sonoran Desert and Semi-desert Grasslands of northern Sonora and Arizona 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 patches of the Sonoran Desert.

Photos of CFPO's