iN PHOTOS: Northern pygmy owls hunting in Kamloops, Okanagan

Little northern pygmy owls have been caught on cameras in Kamloops and the Okanagan this winter.

The small birds are found in conifer forests in western North America and can be seen in towns during the winter months when they move to lower elevations.

They're easier to see than other owls because the pygmy owls hunt during the day and perch on the tops of conifer trees, according to All About Birds.

In several of these photos the owls are seen with voles in their clutches but they eat mainly small birds.

Northern pygmy owls can be identified by their small size, large round heads and lack of ear tufts. They have long tails and short, rounded wings.

On the back of their necks, the owls have two dark patches that look like eyes.

Do you have photos of wildlife you want to share? Send them news@infonews.ca.

A pygmy owl holds a dead vole in the Kamloops area. , A northern pygmy owl perches on top of a tree in Kamloops. Credit: SUBMITTED/ Valerie Walsh

A pygmy owl holds a dead vole in the Kamloops area. , A northern pygmy owl in the snow in Kamloops. Credit: SUBMITTED/ Lyn MacDonald

A pygmy owl holds a dead vole in the Kamloops area. , A northern pygmy owl in the Shuswap. Credit: SUBMITTED/ Ann Steenhuysen

A pygmy owl holds a dead vole in the Kamloops area. , A northern pygmy owl clutches his catch near Kamloops. Credit: SUBMITTED/ Lyn MacDonald

A pygmy owl holds a dead vole in the Kamloops area. Credit: SUBMITTED/ Ben Hodgkiss

A pygmy owl holds a dead vole in the Kamloops area. , This pygmy owl looks camouflaged against a conifer. Credit: SUBMITTED/ Dennis Kitto


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Shannon Ainslie

Shannon Ainslie

Shannon Ainslie brings a background of writing and blogging to the team. She is interested in covering human interest stories and engaging with her community of Kamloops.