Despite the fact that the owl belongs to the owl order, there is very little in common between them. It seems that the presence of family ties has become a mistake of scientists in determining the species. It has similarities with an owl, but the same characteristic features, such as a nocturnal "hoot", large round eyes, etc., are absent.
The most important difference is that the owl is happy to contact people, which his older sister will never allow herself. The curiosity of this small bird has made it the pet of many. He is kept at home even if there are some difficulties with care.
View description
The scientific name of the owl is Glaucidium passerinum. It is one of the smallest owls living on the Eurasian continent. The length of the body usually does not exceed 16 cm, and the weight often does not even reach 100 grams.
As for color, females and males do not differ much from each other. They can only be distinguished by size. Girls are a little bigger than boys, which allows them tofeed and warm the offspring without problems.
Chicks are quite different from adults. Moreover, at the first stages of growth, ignorant people simply cannot determine that birds belong not only to one family, but also to a species. Their plumage is brown, while adults have a gray color with white streaks. Babies also do not have white spots on their heads, which is a characteristic feature of an owl.
The facial disc of the bird is very weakly expressed, at twilight or at night it is difficult to determine whether the face or the back of the head is visible.
Distribution area
Sparrow Owl, Upland Owl are birds that attract people as pets. They have virtually the same size and lifestyle, they have the same maintenance requirements, but the distribution area is different. The Rough-legged Owl lives in eastern North America, while the Passerine Owl lives in Eurasia.
A notable feature is that Glaucidium passerinum is distributed over a very narrow band from Japan to Scandinavia. The range is focused on forest and taiga territories. In the Urals, its existence is intertwined with two more small species of owls - the little owl and the scops owl. But you can't call them permanent neighbors.
For the pygmy owl, ideal habitat conditions are forest areas where trees with tall trunks are planted. Spruce birds are also characteristic of the distribution. In a word, if the forest is mixed, then here,most likely to encounter the small owl in question.
Activity and lifestyle
The main difference from most representatives of the owl family, which the owl has, is the way of life and its activity. If owls hunt and fly out of their secluded place only at night, then this species prefers to get food in the morning or evening. Moreover, if he gets hungry in the winter season, he will be able to go out for prey even during the day. That is, it is not fundamentally important for him whether dangerous enemies or a person will notice him.
Also in winter, late autumn and early spring, the owl stocks up on food in case it suddenly becomes too cold for hunting. The way of eating is also different. Owls tend to swallow their prey completely. If it is too large, then first it is torn into several pieces. Owl prefers to peck only tasty meat areas. For example, he will never touch the intestines.
Despite the fact that the colorful coloring helps the little owl hide from the human eye, it does not always use it. The fact is that the bird is quite friendly, it easily contacts new friends. But this does not mean at all that, if necessary, the owl will not be able to hide.
Reproduction
In fact, the sparrow owl leads a lonely life all the time. If he meets a representative of the opposite sex, he will be aggressive. This is due to the fact that in front of him is a food competitor. But everything changes with the onset of warm spring days.
Females go in search of a suitable home in which they will subsequently breed. They will never let a male near them if they have not found a home for future babies. Then they proceed directly to the choice of a partner.
Male, in turn, must prove the seriousness of intentions. They are looking for food to feed their female. Only when both parties are satisfied with everything, a pair is formed.
Males do not stop feeding their "wife" until she hatches chicks. But they do not fly into the nest. Feeding is carried out at a distance of at least 10 meters.
Contents
A sparrow owl can survive at home, but in order for this to happen, the owner will have to work hard. The fact is that birds are generally not adapted to the cage, especially if they were caught in adulthood.
The ideal option is a small aviary in the yard. Therefore, it is recommended to abandon such a pet if it is not possible to arrange it. Birds do not differ in complaisant character. If they become imbued with hatred towards one of their neighbors, they will behave aggressively towards him constantly, even after several years.
During the first month, you can not touch the pet, because it goes through a period of addiction. Since the birds are curious, after a few weeks they will make contact on their own. Then you need to start taming.
You can't put off cleaning the aviary,since pests may appear in the garbage, which will cause inconvenience to the resident. But this must be done carefully so that the pet feels care, not fear.
Food
It is quite difficult to keep a pygmy owl at home. The advice of experienced "breeders" can help, but the nature of the pet is individual. Therefore, the owner must independently look at him, understand what he likes and what is better to refuse.
Proper nutrition is determined by the age of the individual. If this is a young and active owl, then the basis of the feed should be cereals and seeds. Older representatives are more suitable for vegetables and fruits - they are easier to digest.
Don't forget the water. There should always be a bowl of liquid in the aviary or cage, which must be constantly changed. It is also desirable that the bird has constant access to food, since it eats a lot.
If the appetite disappears, then the owl needs to be released to fly around the house, of course, with the vents and windows closed. This will allow him to get some freedom. Appetite will definitely return after such a flyby.
Common diseases
There are many diseases that the sparrow owl catches. Since childhood, the sparrow owl is susceptible to diseases, and many of them appear in babies with the condition that even maternal care will not help get rid of them.
If a he althy and adult individual suddenly began to refuse games and food, then this means that there is an infection in the body. Because the birdrare, contact your veterinarian immediately. If the disease is common, then the doctor will quickly be able to determine it, as well as prescribe a recovery algorithm. If he was previously unfamiliar with her, then only immunity will help him become he althy again.
As a rule, at home, birds get sick more often just because they are incorrectly kept. For example, they can be fed with those grains or fruits that are contraindicated or allowed for them, but in small quantities. In addition, if the feed is expired or spoiled, then it is necessary to purchase new ones - the owners rarely monitor this.
Interesting facts
The passerine owl has many differences from owls or other members of the family. Often there are interesting and unique stories associated with them. For example, this bird is very trusting of dogs. If a person walks through the forest with her, then the owl will definitely fly up to get to know her better. This is probably due to the fact that dogs are like wolves that protect little owls from many predators.
Despite being a bird, the owl never flies long distances. The maximum that he can afford is a few tens of meters. However, even at such a short distance, the viewer will be amazed at the extraordinary dexterity.
When a male brings food to the caring mother of his offspring, the feeding is very reminiscent of a family quarrel. The female, with screams and force, pulls out those pieces of food that her boyfriend brought in her paws. But this is done in order togrind food. Then there will be less time for the process of absorption and digestion, and the female will be able to return to hatching chicks again.
Conclusion
Thus, the owl is an inquisitive and friendly bird, which, however, does not like close contact with humans. If it was decided to acquire such a pet, then it is recommended to give preference only to those individuals who have been living in cages and aviaries for several generations. Wild owls are unlikely to survive in a person's apartment or house.
In addition, you can not bring a pet when his home is not yet ready. He must immediately know where the personal territory is. It is also advisable not to encroach on her at first, let the pet get used to it a little.
