Follow us!

First Breeding At Our Centre Of The Ferruginous Pygmy Owl!

Rarely kept in public collections, the Ferruginous Pygmy Owl Glaucidium brasilianum has been bred at the Owl Centre for the first time this year. Three chicks left the nest on 22 June 2009.

The Ferruginous Pygmy Owl stands four inches high and only weighs 70 gms (2 ½ ounces) when adult. For its size, it is a fierce little owl, commonly nesting in woodpecker holes, sometimes killing and eating the woodpeckers to gain admission. This owl feeds on insects, frogs, lizards, small birds, rats mice and bats.

The Ferruginous Pygmy Owl is found in South America from Venezuela (north) to Argentina (south). It lives in all lowland areas where there are trees and shrubs.

Unfortunately, the breeding pair and their youngsters are not on display at the Centre but there are plans to create a new aviary for them in the Owl Garden.

Ferruginous Pygmy Owl

World Owl Trust Registered Charity Number: 1107529 Limited Company Number: 5296745

The World Owl Trust is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA). The Trust relies on a dedicated membership, visitors, donations and legacies.