pygmy owl

American  

noun

1. any of several small, diurnal owls of the genus Glaucidium, that feed chiefly on insects.

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Etymology

Origin of pygmy owl

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

That last choice of prey can get the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl into trouble; when other bird species recognize its distinctive whistled call, they sometimes mob to harass it.

From Salon • Dec. 15, 2023

Durrell had a valid reason for snatching the pygmy owl from its attic perch, one of dozens of critters captured during an eight-month expedition in South America.

From Washington Post • Feb. 4, 2021

It is home to some 15 species, including a pygmy owl, a mountain tanager and a foliage gleaner, which are found nowhere else.

From Economist • Jul. 6, 2017

And, yes, he knows he looks like a pygmy owl when he delivers the news.

From Time • Mar. 21, 2016

For instance, among the "Birds we read about" are the flamingo, cassowary, condor, and quetzal; the eagle owl is contrasted with the pygmy owl, and the peacock, lyre bird, albatross, swan, and pelican are displayed.

From Library Work with Children by Hazeltine, Alice Isabel