California pygmy owl

Some experts consider this bird a superspecies with the Mountain Pygmy Owl. The American Ornithologists' Union, the authority for the North American region, does not recognize this split, so the populations are still considered conspecific. Clear differences in the territorial calls by males are the basis for a proposed split, with birds in the high elevations of Arizona and Mexico giving a two-note call while their more northerly congeners give a repeated single-note call. Results from DNA sequence comparisons of cytochrome-b have been weak and inconclusive despite being referenced repeatedly as a justification for taxonomic splitting.

The California pygmy owl is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

California Pygmy Owl CAPPETDaption capense Cape Petrel CAPRIMCaprimulgus Caprimulgus sp. CARACACaracara cheriway Caracara CARCHIPoecile carolinensis Carolina Chickadee CARCOOFulica caribaea Caribbean Coot CARDINCardinalis cardinalis Cardinal CARDOVZenaida macroura Carolina Dove CARDUECarduelis Carduelis sp. CARGRBCardinalis cardinalis Cardinal Grosbeak CARGRSBonasa umbellus 1 Canadian Ruffed Grouse CARJUNJunco hyemalis 12 Carolina Junco CARPARConuropsis carolinensis Carolina Parakeet CARPODCarpodacus Carpodacus sp. More