Bird Guide

Costa Rican Pygmy Owl

Glaucidium costaricanum

Least ConcernInvertebratesForestCavity nestMedium · 66 g

About the Costa Rican Pygmy Owl

The Costa Rican pygmy owl is a small "typical owl" in subfamily Surniinae. It is found in Costa Rica and Panama.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The Costa Rican pygmy owl is around 14.5 to 17 cm (5.7 to 6.7 in) long, with males weighing about 53 to 70 g (1.9 to 2.5 oz), while the larger females weigh as much as 99 g (3.5 oz). Adults have two color morphs; one is mostly brown and the other is rufous. The head and upper body parts are a basal color with lighter, paler spots; the tail is the same color, with four white bands and a white tip. The nape has a pair of blackish spots with pale borders that resemble "eyes" on the back of the head. The breast and belly are white and the flanks are the basal color. Voice: The Costa Rican pygmy owl's song is "a long series of clear, unmodulated toots in an irregular rhythm". The toots can be in pairs, in a series of three pairs, or in a continuous series of single notes. When excited, it gives a faster, higher-pitched series of five toots.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where the Costa Rican Pygmy Owl lives

Regular range

When to see the Costa Rican Pygmy Owl

Peak activity in March · a variable species across most of its range

Easily confused with

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