regions with coniferous and mixed forests. These areas generally have cooler temperatures and higher rainfall than nearby lowland regions. The owl usually lives along the edges of clearings surrounded by moist or swampy land, generally with a water source nearby. It nests in old woodpecker holes, often those of the great spotted woodpecker. Behaviour and ecology This owl is crepuscular, being active during the daylight hours near sunrise and sunset. Breeding This owl nests in tree cavities, often in old woodpecker holes. It prefers conifers but will occupy birches and beeches. Pairs form in autumn through early spring. During courtship the male leads the female through his territory. If he has obtained a nest hole, he leads her to it. The male will also feed the female. This species is serially monogamous, forming bonded pairs for one or more breeding seasons. The male is territorial and may use the same nesting territory for up to seven years. The female lays about four to seven eggs, generally in April. They are incubated for four weeks, starting when the third egg is laid. They hatch nearly simultaneously and the female remains with them for nine to ten days, being fed by the male. After three weeks the young are active and the female returns to the nest only to feed them and clean out waste. Fledging occurs at 30 to 34 days. The chicks remain close to the nest for a few days before departing. Food and feeding The diet of the Eurasian pygmy owl includes mostly small mammals, such as voles, lemmings, bats, and mice, and small birds such as thrushes, crossbills, chaffinches, and leaf-warblers. They are able to catch birds in flight. Other prey items may include lizards, fish, and insects. Pygmy owls store large quantities of small mammals and birds in the food stores they collect in the autumn and that will be used throughout the winter to supplement their diet. Their food hoarding behaviour is deeply influenced by weather conditions, making them susceptible to climatic changes. References Sparks, J. and T. Soper. Owls. New York: Facts On File, 1989. Wardhaugh, A. A. Owls of Britain and Europe. Dorset: Blandford Press, 1983. External links Eurasian Pygmy Owl videos, photos & sounds on the Internet Bird Collection Eurasian pygmy owl Birds of prey of Eurasia Birds of Russia Eurasian pygmy owl Eurasian pygmy owl