Austral Pygmy Owl
Patagonia pygmy owl ( Glaucidium nanum )
The Patagonia - pygmy owl ( Glaucidium nanum ) is a small owl species of the genus Sperlingskäuze. It is found only in South America.
Appearance
The Patagonia - pygmy reaches a height of about 17 to 21 centimeters, making it a relatively large Sperlingskauzart. Ear tufts are missing. In the neck of the Patagonia - pygmy owl has a relatively conspicuous Occipitalgesicht. Forehead and top have showy bright stripes. The eyebrows and the cere is whitish. The body top is dark gray-brown with white spots. The underparts are whitish with dark longitudinal stripes. The eyes are yellow.
In the north, the distribution area overlaps with that of a subspecies of the Brazilian Sperlingskauzes. This subspecies is on the body bottom something striking vertical stripes than is the case in Patagonia pygmy. The Peru - pygmy owl is slightly smaller and has a more mottled skull.
Area of distribution and habitat
The distribution area of Patagonia Sperlingskauzes extends from the Argentine Patagonia as far as Tierra del Fuego. In Chile, he comes from the south of the Atacama desert before to after Tierra del Fuego. He is basically a state bird. Some individuals migrate but occasionally during severe winter further north. The habitat of the Patagonia Sperlingskauzes is the open landscape with single shrubs and trees. Its altitudinal distribution ranges from sea level to altitudes of 1,500 meters above sea level.
Way of life
The Patagonia - pygmy owl is partly diurnal. It is basically not a shy bird and can be seen occasionally during the day on exposed perches. Approximately fifty percent of its food spectrum make insects. Small mammals and birds make up a large part of the remaining prey. His prey is partly quite large. To his prey among the approximately 160 grams heavy Chilesteißhuhn and the ear spot pigeon that weighs an average of 137 grams.
The breeding season usually begins in August or September with the courtship. That the male part aggressively defended area is about one square kilometer in size. As a nesting site tree hollows are generally used. The nest consists of three to five white eggs. It broods alone the female, which begins with the brood once the last egg is laid. In the wild Patagonian Sperlingskäuze be six to seven years old.