Andean Pygmy Owl
Glaucidium jardinii
The Andean Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium jardinii) is a rare owl found in 5 countries, weighing about 67 g. The Andean pygmy owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae.
About the Andean Pygmy Owl
The Andean pygmy owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The Andean pygmy owl is 15 to 16 cm (5.9 to 6.3 in) long. Males weigh 54.9 to 77.4 g (1.9 to 2.7 oz) and females 54.6 to 75 g (1.9 to 2.6 oz). It has two distinct color morphs; in one the head, most of the body, wings, and tail are dull dark brown with white markings and in the other the same areas are dark chestnut with buff markings. In both the crown has small white dots. They have white "brows" over yellow eyes, white "moustaches", and a broad white throat. Their nape has a black and white face-like pattern. Their backs have spots and the tail bars, white or buff respectively. Voice: The Andean pygmy owl's song is a "long series of rapidly delivered, evenly spaced 'poop' notes" that is sometimes preceded by two whistles.
What the Andean Pygmy Owl sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Bolivia.
When to see it
The Andean Pygmy Owl can be seen all year round, with peak activity in February. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an Andean Pygmy Owl?
- The Andean pygmy owl is 15 to 16 cm (5.9 to 6.3 in) long. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an Andean Pygmy Owl?
- The Andean Pygmy Owl is a medium sized bird weighing about 67 g.
- Where can you see an Andean Pygmy Owl?
- The Andean Pygmy Owl occurs in 5 countries, including Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Peru.
- What does an Andean Pygmy Owl sound like?
- You can listen to a field recording of the Andean Pygmy Owl on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to an Andean Pygmy Owl?
- The Andean Pygmy Owl is most easily confused with the Colima Pygmy Owl, the Central American Pygmy Owl and the Cloud-forest Pygmy Owl.
- Is the Andean Pygmy Owl endangered?
- The Andean Pygmy Owl is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Andean Pygmy Owl for real
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