Bird Guide

Asian Barred Owlet vs Northern Pygmy Owl

Asian Barred Owlet (Glaucidium cuculoides)

Asian Barred Owlet

Glaucidium cuculoides

Medium198 gForest

The Asian barred owlet is a small owl that sits at 22–25 cm (8.7–9.8 in). The males weigh 150–176 g (0.331–0.388 lb) and the females up to 240 g (0.53 lb). Like most owls in the true owl family, the females are usually larger than the males. They are dark brown or olive-brown with a white throat patch and are densely barred. Their breast and belly is whitish in colour with dark brown bars. Its tail and wings are dark brown with whitish bars. Unlike other pygmy owl species, they do not have false eyes on the back of their head. Voice: The male song is a trill lasting anywhere from 5–20 seconds, progressively becoming louder and harsher notes before stopping abruptly, transcribed as "kwuhk kwuhk-ke-kwuhk kwuhk-kekekwurre kwurre kwurre-kwurrekwurrekwurre kwurrekwurr". They also have a common call which is a smooth "hoot".

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: lovelymon lamin · CC0
Northern Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium gnoma)

Northern Pygmy Owl

Glaucidium gnoma

Medium61 gForest

The adult mountain pygmy owl is approximately 15–17 cm (5.9–6.7 in) in length. Males weigh from 48 to 54 g (1.7–1.9 oz); however, reverse sexual dimorphism indicates that adult females are larger in mass reaching 60 to 73 g (2.1–2.6 oz). The wing length of a male is 86–89 mm (3.4–3.5 in) and that of a female is 87–98 mm (3.4–3.8 in), while the tail of both sexes can reach 61–66 mm (2.1–2.6 in). Adult plumage color is similar to that of most pygmy owls. The chest and throat are white, while the face is a deeper brown. Voice: There is limited information regarding specific seasonal calls or songs, pertaining to the mountain pygmy owl. However, it is suggested that vocal behavior observed in the Eurasian pygmy owl (G. passerinum) can be applied to the other pygmy owl species.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Kyle Nessen · cc0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Asian Barred Owlet and Northern Pygmy Owl.