Northern pygmy owl (Glaucidium gnoma) perched on a branch, Cypress Mountain, B.C.

© Connor Stefanison/Minden Pictures

Northern pygmy owl (Glaucidium gnoma) perched on a branch, Cypress Mountain, B.C.

The Northern Pygmy-Owl can be found in open coniferous and mixed woodlands, typically between the western forests of Alaska to Central America. Come fall and winter, they can be spotted wandering outside of their breeding areas as they are non-migratory birds. Don’t be fooled by this owl’s cute stature and innocent gaze for the Northern Pygmy-Owl is known to be tiny but vicious. While their diet consists of rodents and songbirds, they are capable of being aggressive and hunting birds much bigger than them despite their small size. For now, we’ll just admire this feisty bird from a distance.