The northern pygmy-owl is a common year-round resident in the dry pine forests surrounding Leavenworth. Their nocturnal habits and diminutive size can cause them to go unseen by even the most prolific birders. Do not be fooled by the pygmy-owl's small size. Like other owls, this bird is a formidable predator preying on a variety of animals including other birds, rodents and insects. Those fortunate enough to have seen this little predator may have caught a glimpse of one as it swooped past their bird feeder or zipped through the headlights of their car in pursuit of nocturnal insects.

Northern pygmy-owls are cavity-nesters relying on the excavations created by woodpeckers for nesting habitat. Like so many other species, pygmy-owls are dependant on the existence of woodpeckers and standing dead timber for their survival, further demonstrating the link between habitat quality and species diversity. If you are lucky, you may find yourself looking at a roosting pygmy-owl quietly sitting in a dense cluster of fir boughs. To increase your odds, try going out in the spring dawn and listen for the repetitive whistle of a breeding male. Mimicking this call can also attract the resident male as he swoops in to defend his territory and will also stir the curiosity of songbirds as they come in to scold what they think is a predator in their midst.