Pacific Pygmy Owl
Peru - pygmy owl ( Glaucidium peruanum )
The Peru - pygmy owl ( Glaucidium peruanum ) is a small owl species of the genus Sperlingskäuze. It is found only in South America.
Appearance
The Peru - pygmy reaches a height of about 15 to 17 centimeters. Ear tufts are missing. There occur three color morphs that have a gray, brown or reddish-brown plumage. The gray color morph is more likely found in the higher altitudes. For her the top of the head is densely speckled white. The morphs that occur more in lower mountainous areas, have on top of the head rather teardrop-shaped spots or short longitudinal stripes. Like all pygmy owl species also has the Peru - Sperlingskauz a Occipitalgesicht in the neck.
In the distribution area of the Peru - Sperlingskauzes several other pygmy owl species occur, with those of the Peru - pygmy owl can be mistaken. Great resemblance he has with the Brazilian pygmy owl and the Yungas Pygmy Owl. However, the Brazilian pygmy missing other than the Peru - Sperlingskauz the ocher-colored neck band below the Occipitalgesichts. The Yungas Pygmy Owl has more rounded wing tips and the droplet distribution in the pattern of the head plumage differs from that of the Peru - Sperlingskauzes. Most clearly, however, a distinction based on the voice.
Area of distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Peru - Sperlingskauzes extends from western Ecuador on the west and southwest of Peru to Chile. He is a settled state bird, the semi-arid scrubland and dry to semi-arid forests. Its altitudinal distribution ranges from sea level to altitudes of 3,000 meters above sea level.
Way of life
Like many other pygmy species is also the Peru - pygmy partly diurnal. Occasionally he even sits during the day on exposed seat waiting. Its diet consists mainly of insects and small birds. But he also eats small mammals and other small vertebrates. The males are territorial and defend their territories pronounced energetic. When nesting abandoned woodpecker holes in trees are used. It broods alone the female.