GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Northern Pygmy-owl (Glaucidium gnoma)

Species Code: GLGN

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Map with Breeding Bird Atlas records

Other maps & Information:

Breeding Bird Atlas
NatureMapping observations
during breeding season
NatureMapping observations
throughout the year

This species is uncommon to perhaps fairly common and widespread throughout coniferous forested areas in Washington.

Good habitat in the core areas of use included all mixed and conifer forests and forest openings in all forested zones, plus forest patches in Alpine/Parkland. These owls are also in forest at the perimeter of the steppe zones.

Two subspecies breed in Washington, G. g. grinnelli of western Washington and G. g californicum of eastern Washington. there are very few BBA data for this owl, but it is not clear whether the explanation is low detection frequency by observers or low pygmy-owl population density. The Northern Pygmy-Owl is small and has a quiet call, but its vocalization is fairly distinct and hard to confuse with those of other owls, and it is often found in daylight. When it is found during the day, this species is often perched in the open atop small trees or in snags. Logging practices have probably benefited this species, since it is well adapted to using the matrix of large, open cuts and young forests found in much of Washington. However, Northern Pygmy-Owls are less likely to be found in the hardwood second-growth forests of the Puget Trough.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester