The Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum) is the smallest owl in Europe and we have them living next to us here in Northern Sweden. They are just 15cm to 19cm tall!
This owl is crepuscular, being active during the daylight hours near sunrise and sunset.
Ours are currently showing well at sunset.

The owls stay with us throughout the year and over the last few weeks they have been visiting our bird feeders; no doubt attracted by the commotion from all of the small birds feeding there.
So, I have built a new nesting box designed especially for the Pygmy Owl and have sited it where they are visiting.
This box is another addition to the Pygmy Owl boxes we already have. Now we have numerous chances to see and help these wonderful birds.
They catch small birds in flight, as well as rodents and insects for food. They even take lizards and yes we do have wild lizards here! They often stash their food over winter; so they may utilise this box for nesting or for food storage.
