It is still cold in the forest when the whistling begins. Not a loud screech, not the harsh call of a crow. It sounds more like a short, clear note from a tiny flute. Anyone walking between the tall spruce trees in the early morning might suddenly stop. The sound comes from high above. From a bird that most people never see – even when it is sitting right over their heads. It is the Eurasian pygmy owl, the smallest owl in Europe.
At only about 17 centimeters long, it is hardly bigger than a blackbird. But size can be misleading. The pygmy owl is a hunter. It catches mice, small birds and sometimes even prey that is almost as big as itself. Its bright yellow eyes look straight forward. Brown feathers with white spots help it blend perfectly into the forest. If it stays still, it almost disappears between branches and needles.
Unlike many other owls, the pygmy owl does not hunt only at night. It is active at dawn and even during the day. That makes it unusual. Still, spotting one is difficult. It often sits quietly at the top of a tree, turning its head slowly, watching everything. Anyone who wants to find it needs patience – and sharp ears.
In the past, pygmy owls mostly lived in mountain forests. Today they are spreading into other wooded areas as well. Scientists believe this is partly because some forests are managed in a more natural way. Old trees are left standing longer. There is more dead wood. And that means more tree holes.
Tree holes are essential for pygmy owls. They do not build their own nests. Instead, they use old woodpecker holes, usually in spruce or pine trees. In spring, the female lays several eggs inside. While she stays in the nest, the male brings food. He even stores extra prey in small hiding places, like holes in trees or cracks in bark. The pygmy owl plans ahead.
Even though it is small, other birds take it seriously. When a pygmy owl appears, songbirds often gather and make loud alarm calls. They try to drive it away together. This behavior is called “mobbing.” But the owl often remains calm, sitting still as if the noise does not matter.
Its face looks strict, almost serious. Above its eyes are light-colored spots that look like eyebrows. On the back of its head are two dark patches with light edges. These look like extra eyes and may confuse predators. An attacker from behind might think the owl is watching.
The pygmy owl’s life is closely connected to the health of the forest. Forests with only young trees of the same age are not ideal for it. The owl needs variety: old trees, open spaces, thick undergrowth. In such places it can find food and safe nesting sites. Because of this, scientists see the pygmy owl as an indicator species. If it lives in a forest, the ecosystem is usually in good condition.
Many people imagine owls as silent creatures of the night. But the pygmy owl breaks that image. It hunts in daylight. It is tiny, yet brave. And somewhere in a quiet forest, while most people are busy with their daily lives, a small owl may be sitting high in a tree, listening carefully – ready for its next flight.