The Eurasian pygmy owl is a very small owl with an attractive appearance. These birds are much smaller in comparison to other owls. They are approximately 20 centimeters in length and weigh no more than 80 grams. On average, a normal-sized owl can reach a weight of 700 grams and length of 65 centimeters. The head of the Eurasian pygmy owl looks somewhat flattened, while that of other types of owls is more rounded in shape. The plumage of pygmy owls is flecked with white. The feathers of bigger owls, in contrast, are covered with noticeable stripes. The Eurasian pygmy owl does not have ear tufts unlike many of its larger ‘relatives’. Still, in many other ways these two bird types are similar.

The gaze of the pygmy owl’s enormous unmoving eyes is truly impressive. In order to look sideways, these birds have to turn their heads. Their irises can be deep or light yellow as well as golden depending on the sub-type. Large round pupils framed by such bright colors stand out in contrast to the bird’s feathers. Its gaze looks stern on account of the protrusions above the eyes that resemble eyebrows. Therefore, it is not surprising that a person who appears to be frowning is quite often asked in Russian ‘Why are you looking at me like a pygmy owl? ’.

Their black claws, which can be referred to as weapons of these avian predators, are long and sharp.
One can come across Eurasian pygmy owls in woodlands as well as mountainous areas and plains. These birds can live alongside humans. Typically, they build their nests in tree hollows but decrepit or old abandoned buildings as well as wall cavities can also serve as their homes.

The Eurasian pygmy owl is, first and foremost, a predator. Hence, it has an animal-based diet consisting of voles, bats, dipodids, hamsters, insects and earthworms. When hunting large prey, these birds pair up and cooperate with one another. These species prefer eating small birds and rodents. Eurasian pygmy owls do not swallow their prey whole, instead they carefully strip off its fur or feathers and eat the best parts. They store their autumn stocks in tree hollows.

The birds are active at night. Pygmy owls are exceptionally good at blending into their surroundings, it is often much easier to hear them rather than see them. Their calls at night can sound quite frightening.
On account of their hunting methods and a tendency to store food, Eurasian pygmy owls can be described as very intelligent, practical and prudent birds. They live for around 15 years. People prefer to keep Eurasian pygmy owls rather than their bigger relatives at home because the former are smaller in size and easier to take care of.