Subtropical Pygmy Owl
Glaucidium parkeri
The Subtropical Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium parkeri) is a legendary owl found in 4 countries, weighing about 61 g. The subtropical pygmy owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae.
About the Subtropical Pygmy Owl
The subtropical pygmy owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The subtropical pygmy owl is about 14 to 14.5 cm (5.5 to 5.7 in) long; three males had an average weight of 61.6 g (2.17 oz). It has a widespread brown morph and a rare rufous morph. Adults of the former have a grayish-brown crown; the crown and the sides of the face have prominent white spots. Its nape, like those of most Glaucidium pygmy owls, has black "false eyes". The back and rump are dark brown and the tail blackish with spotty white bands. The underparts are white with broad dull reddish-olive brown streaks. The juvenile plumage has not been described. Voice: The subtropical pygmy owl's song is "three or four short phrases (normally 2-4 or 6 in intervals of several seconds) of low tone increasing when ending the two notes hu-hu, hu, and having a hesitation before the last note".
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Colombia.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, with peak activity in September. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Subtropical Pygmy Owl?
- The subtropical pygmy owl is about 14 to 14.5 cm (5.5 to 5.7 in) long; three males had an average weight of 61.6 g (2.17 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Subtropical Pygmy Owl?
- The Subtropical Pygmy Owl is a medium sized bird weighing about 61 g.
- Where can you see a Subtropical Pygmy Owl?
- The Subtropical Pygmy Owl occurs in 4 countries, including Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador.
- What birds look similar to a Subtropical Pygmy Owl?
- The Subtropical Pygmy Owl is most easily confused with the Sjöstedt's Barred Owlet, the Tamaulipas Pygmy Owl and the Albertine Owlet.
- Is the Subtropical Pygmy Owl endangered?
- The Subtropical Pygmy Owl is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Subtropical Pygmy Owl for real
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