User:CYL467201/Pygmy Owl

Human impact and conservation efforts
The anthropocentric worldview adopted by the modern population without regard for natural habitats have significantly impacted the pygmy owl.

Description and characteristics
Amongst the upwards of 200 other owl species, the pygmy owl has several identifying characteristics. While its head is an overall round shape, the sides of its face stretch to the left and right respectively, forming an elliptical shape sideways. Its ears, similar to other owls, are covered by feathers on the side of its face behind the eyes. The pygmy owl can be seen with outsized feet and sharp talons as an extension, structurally allowing the animal to be an efficient hunter tackling prey much larger than itself.

As suggested by its name and etymology, the pygmy owl is roughly 6 inches in height. Relative to its minuscule size, its tail is considered long. Additionally, the tail is one of the pygmy owl's most important identifying characteristics, as it expresses its reaction to threatening situations using its tail: rotating it, moving it up and down, as well as side to side.