Amazonian Pygmy Owl

Amazon Zwergkauz ( Glaucidium hardyi )

The Amazon Zwergkauz ( Glaucidium hardyi ) is a small owl species of the genus Sperlingskäuze. The species is found only in South America. It was only in 1989 scientifically described.

Appearance

The Amazon Zwergkauz reaches a height of about 14 to 15 centimeters. Ear tufts are missing, the tail is relatively short, while the wings are long, but have a rounded tip. The top of the head and the neck are conspicuous gray than the continuous brown coat and back. The upper wing covers are, however, slightly mottled pale. On the top of the head, there are a number of small whitish points. In the neck it shows a striking Occipitalgesicht. The underparts are whitish with reddish brown longitudinal stripes. The breast sides are reddish - brown spotted. The eyes are bright yellow.

In the distribution area of the Amazon Zwergkauzes several other pygmy owl species occur, with which it may be confused. The Brazilian pygmy owl is significantly larger with a longer tail. The micro - Zwergkauz has a brown, not gray head and is less polka dots on top of the head. The screech owls in the distribution area are significantly larger and all have ear tufts.

Area of distribution and habitat

The distribution area of the Amazon Zwergkauzes is the Amazon region in South America. He comes from Venezuela over the two Guiana to the north of Brazil, eastern Ecuador, Peru and the north-east of Bolivia against. He is a state bird that inhabited predominantly the primary rain forests of the Amazon region. Its altitudinal distribution ranges up to 850 meters above sea level. He lives mostly in the trees, where the branches are richly covered with epiphytes.

Way of life

Like many other American pygmy owl species is the Amazon Zwergkauz teiltagaktiv. Its diet consists mainly of insects. Presumably, however, he also suggests arboreal small mammals as well as birds and lizards. The reproductive biology of this species is not yet fully investigated.