Immatures also make this call during Autumn, when searching for their own territory. Eurasian Pygmy Owls hunt ground prey from a perch, swooping on potential prey after watching and waiting. Small birds are ambushed and caught in a dashing flight. Small birds make up much of a Pygmy Owl's diet - Thrushes, Crossbills, Chaffinches, Leaf Warblers, and Pied Flycatchers being common prey. They also take birds approaching their own size, such as the Great Spotted Woodpecker, Song Thrush or Hawfinch.
Small mammals are also important food, especially voles, mice and shrews.
Other prey taken include small lizards, bats, fish, and insects. Food is often cached in tree holes, or on branches. This occurs more often in Winter. The Male will sing at different places in its territory, and if previously paired, the female will soon join him. Unpaired birds often duet.