Eurasian Pygmy Owl

is the smallest owl in Europe growing to only 16 cm in length (to a starling size). This owl has a brownish back with small whitish spots and a light bottom part of the body with dark-spotted sides. It is relatively inconspicuous and hunts at dusk. It feeds on small rodents, birds and insects. Thanks to its strong talons, it has the courage to attack small birds bigger than it itself is even in flight. If you find it sitting in tree branches, you can observe it at a relatively close range without the bird flying away. Pygmy owl is a strongly endangered, specially protected species in the Czech Republic.