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Cactus ferruginous pygmy owls are tiny, weighing 2.5 to 3 ounces and measure up to just over 6 inches tall.
This ferruginous pygmy owl subspecies lives in desert scrublands in Arizona, southern Texas and parts of northern Mexico. They are known for nesting in the cavities of trees and cacti.
Why are Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy owls imperiled?
Ferruginous pygmy owls are decreasing throughout their entire range, but the cactus subspecies is doing particularly poorly. The Arizona population is currently estimated to be in the low hundreds. The Texas population is doing slightly better with estimates in the high hundreds.
The largest threat to cactus ferruginous pygmy owls is habitat loss. Sprawling developments and livestock grazing eat away at their already shrinking and fragmented habitat. Invasive species and noxious weeds are misplacing the native fauna and increasing competition for the owls’ dwindling prey base.
Habitat loss landed cactus ferruginous pygmy owls on the endangered species list in 1997, but a home builders’ lawsuit stripped its protections for development and halted monitoring efforts in 2006. The developers provided a flawed argument that the Sonoran Desert population in Arizona was insignificant, a prime example of what happens when Endangered Species Act decisions are not informed by science. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service relisted these tiny owls in 2023 after a 17-year-long fight led by Defenders of Wildlife.
Habitat loss, fragmentation and invasive species.
Defenders' Impact
Defenders is working to ensure cactus ferruginous pygmy owls have adequately enforced protections under the ESA and conservation actions are taking place. We are also partnering with other advocates and institutions to restore degraded and reconnect fragmented habitat.
What You Can Do
Seek opportunities to assist in the removal of invasive species during special volunteer workdays. Speak up for wildlife and ask Congress to fully fund the ESA, which would increase funding for FWS to protect and restore endangered species and their habitats.
Arizonians and Texans can engage in development proposals, including for housing and highways, and take a stand against degrading the owls’ habitat anymore. Take time to learn about local and regional candidates' positions on conservation issues and vote accordingly.
About
Ferruginous pygmy owls are primarily found throughout Central and South America. The cactus subspecies is found in Arizona, southern Texas and parts of northern Mexico.
Cactus ferruginous pygmy owls live in desert scrublands. They are known for nesting in the cavities of trees and cacti. The population living in Arizona is especially keen on nesting in Saguaro cacti.
The Arizona population is currently estimated to be in the low hundreds. The Texas population is doing slightly better with estimates in the high hundreds.
Cactus ferruginous pygmy owls are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. They prefer to stay close to the ground. On average, cactus ferruginous pygmy owls don’t fly more than 4.5 feet above the ground.
Cactus ferruginous pygmy owls breed annually between late February and early June. They lay three to four eggs, on average. Hatching often happens in May, and the nestlings fledge in late May or June. Juvenile pygmy-owls remain under care of their parents for up to eight weeks after they leave the nest. At that time, they disperse to establish their own territories.
Despite their tiny stature, cactus ferruginous pygmy owls are bold hunters. They will pursue lizards and birds twice their size. They also eat crickets, beetles and scorpions.
Featured
Give a Tooting-Hoot About Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owls
Earlier this year the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl was relisted as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Get to know this little owl and how you can help them in this Q&A with Southwest Program Director, Bryan Bird!
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