Ferruginous Pygmy Owl
Brazilian pygmy owl ( Glaucidium brasilianum )
The Brazilian pygmy owl ( Glaucidium brasilianum ) is a small owl species of the genus Sperlingskäuze. It is found only in South America.
Appearance
The Brazilian pygmy owl reaches a height of about 17 to 20 centimeters, making it a relatively large Sperlingskauzart. Ear tufts are missing. The plumage coloration is highly variable. It can be found both gray, brown and reddish brown color morphs. The species is therefore not always easy to distinguish from other pygmy species that occur in the same distribution area. Characteristic of the Brazilian pygmy owl are fine bright vertical stripes on the forehead and top of the head. The body top can be both monochrome and have irregular patches. The underparts are whitish to yellowish brown with conspicuous elongated strip.
Possible confusion arise, for instance with sick Zwergkauz, the Amazon Zwergkauz and the Parker Zwergkauz, all of which are but slightly smaller. The Chaco pygmy owl is also smaller and inhabits drier habitats than the Brazilian pygmy owl. In the Andean Pygmy Owl and the Yungas Pygmy Owl to the top of the head has more spots than longitudinal stripes on. The Patagonia - pygmy owl has a tail with thin horizontal stripes, which at the Brazilian pygmy owl is missing.
Area of distribution and habitat
The distribution area of Brasil - Sperlingskauzes is extremely large. He comes east of the Andes in front of a very large part of the South American continent. Specifically, the distribution area of eastern Colombia, Venezuela, eastern Ecuador, both Guiana and northern Brazil to the east of Bolivia, Paraguay, northeastern Argentina and Uruguay and the middle ranges. He is a sedentary bird. Only young owls show a dispersion movement. The habitat is tropical and subtropical primary and secondary forests. He settled preferred forest clearings and edges, with stock of trees pastures, woods along rivers. He has also human settlement areas developed as a living space and is for example found in parks and large gardens.
Way of life
The Brazilian pygmy owl is partly diurnal. It can be seen occasionally on exposed Wait during the day. Frequently hate him small birds. It has its peak activity at dusk. Its diet consists of insects, small birds and other small vertebrates such as mice.
He is almost a year-round territorial bird. Its territorial boundaries, it shows especially in the South American late winter ( mid-August and September ) and autumn (April) by loud shouts. As a nesting site he uses mostly abandoned woodpecker holes in trees. But he also breeds in the old nests of rust potter, in termite nests and abandoned building of mammals in mud walls. The nest consists of three to five white eggs. The planting distance is usually two days. It broods alone the female. Breeding begins, the filing of the last ice. The incubation period lasts 24-27 days.