Pacific Pygmy Owl
Glaucidium peruanum
The Pacific Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium peruanum) is a rare owl found in 3 countries, weighing about 62 g. The Pacific pygmy owl, or Peruvian pygmy owl, is a small "typical owl" in subfamily Surniinae.
About the Pacific Pygmy Owl
The Pacific pygmy owl, or Peruvian pygmy owl, is a small "typical owl" in subfamily Surniinae. It is found in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The Pacific pygmy owl is 15 to 17 cm (5.9 to 6.7 in) long. Males weigh about 60 g (2.1 oz) and females about 65 g (2.3 oz). In addition to being heavier, females also have slightly longer wings and tails than males, but both sexes have the same plumage. The species has gray, brown, and rufous color morphs, with the first two predominating. The upperparts of gray morph adults are grayish brown with buff streaks on the forecrown and buff spots on the crown and nape. An incomplete white "collar" and oval black spots on the neck give the appearance of eyes. Voice: The Pacific pygmy owl's song has been described as "a series of rapidly delivered pü notes" and also as "rapid...rising hoots: poop'poop'poop'poop....." It also makes "chirping and thin warbling notes." Vocal differences enable it to be separated from the similar Yungas pygmy owl (G. bolivianum) where their ranges overlap.
What the Pacific Pygmy Owl sounds like
Where it lives
When to see it
The Pacific Pygmy Owl can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Pacific Pygmy Owl?
- The Pacific pygmy owl is 15 to 17 cm (5.9 to 6.7 in) long. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Pacific Pygmy Owl?
- The Pacific Pygmy Owl is a medium sized bird weighing about 62 g.
- Where can you see a Pacific Pygmy Owl?
- The Pacific Pygmy Owl occurs in 3 countries, including Peru, Ecuador and Chile.
- What does a Pacific Pygmy Owl sound like?
- You can listen to 2 field recordings of the Pacific Pygmy Owl on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Pacific Pygmy Owl?
- The Pacific Pygmy Owl is most easily confused with the Austral Pygmy Owl, the Amazonian Pygmy Owl and the African Barred Owlet.
- Is the Pacific Pygmy Owl endangered?
- The Pacific Pygmy Owl is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Pacific Pygmy Owl for real
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