At the time this photo was taken, the southern Arizona population (the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl) was still an endangered species here in the States. It has since been downlisted. This small, sparrow-sized pygmy owl and several other similar related species of diminutive owls can be found in forested habitats throughout much of Mexico and beyond. While studying these birds, researchers keep them calm by tucking the cavity-nesting bird inside of an 8-ounce tin can, leaving only the feet poking out the bottom. Despite their small size, these animals are accomplished hunters, known to take down prey animals several times their own size and weight.