Northern Pygmy Owl
Gnomish Pygmy Owl ( Glaucidium gnoma )
The Gnomish Pygmy Owl ( Glaucidium gnoma ) is a small owl species of the genus Sperlingskäuze. It occurs exclusively in North and Central America. His independent species status is not without controversy. He is still seen by some authors as conspecific with the Rocky Mountain pygmy owl.
Appearance
The Gnomish Pygmy Owl reaches a height 15-17 centimeters. Ear tufts are missing. The body plumage is highly variable. The different color variations ranging from dark brown to red fox individuals. The apex is finely speckled white. In the neck there is a striking Occipitalgesicht. The forechest is largely without color badge. On the rest of the body underside can be found diffuse stripes. The eyes are yellow.
Compared with the Rocky Mountain pygmy owl of the Gnome pygmy owl has a shorter tail and more pointed wings. The Hoskins pygmy owl has on the body bottom clearly defined longitudinal stripes. The Ridgway - pygmy owl has a striped and non- dotted crest. The Tamaulipas Zwergkauz is smaller and has a much shorter tail.
Area of distribution and habitat
The northern distribution limit of Gnome Sperlingskauzes is probably the extreme southern Arizona and of New Mexico. Otherwise, the distribution area of the Tree Gnome Sperlingskauzes from the highlands north and central Mexico extends to its southern border in Oaxaca. He is a sedentary bird and settled mainly pine, pine-oak and damp pine forests, interspersed with evergreen broad-leaved trees. The altitudinal distribution ranges 1500-3500 meters above sea level.
Way of life
The Gnomish Pygmy Owl is partly diurnal. However, it has its peak activity during twilight. Its diet consists mainly of insects, and to a lesser extent small mammals, birds and reptiles. It breeds in tree holes. The nest consists of two to four white eggs. It broods alone the female that receives the breeding business after the filing of the last ice of the scrim. Therefore, the nestlings hatch almost synchronously As with most other Sperlingskäuzen.