pygmy owl

pygmy owl, any of about 12 species of small owls in the family Strigidae. They are distributed through parts of North and South America and include several African and Southeast Asian species called owlets. Pygmy owls are only about 20 cm (8 inches) long. Often active during the day, these owls hunt in the evening hours, taking insects and small birds, reptiles, and mammals. They usually nest in tree holes.