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It is the most widely distributed species of pygmy owl in Central and South America and is believed to be one of the most common owls in these regions, where it lives in a variety of semi-open wooded habitats.
The ferruginous pygmy owl is small, typically 15 cm (5.9 in), and stocky with disproportionately large feet and talons. The crown has elongated white/buff streaks, the wing coverts have white spots, and the underparts are heavily streaked white. There are prominent white supercilia above the facial disc. There are two dark spots on the nape, often termed "false eyes" by birders. Otherwise, its overall color is highly variable, ranging from grey-brown with a black-and-white barred tail to rich rufous with a uniform rufous tail. Sexes are similar with females slightly larger and often more reddish. The flight is often undulating in motion, similar to that of many woodpecker species.
The call is a rhythmic, whistled series of hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo, typically pitched in E flat. Its sound is easily mimicked by birdwatchers to draw out small songbirds intent on mobbing the owls.
The owl is often easily located by the activity of small songbirds that gather to mob it while it perches in the canopy. Observations have recorded up to 40 individual birds representing 11 species mobbing a single ferruginous pygmy owl.
