Andean Pygmy Owl

Andean Pygmy Owl ( Glaucidium jardinii )

The Andean Pygmy Owl ( Glaucidium jardinii ) is a small owl species of the genus Sperlingskäuze. It is found only in South America.

Appearance

The Andean Pygmy Owl reaches a height of about 15-16 centimeters. Ear tufts are missing. The plumage is either dark brown or reddish orange-brown. The wings are rounded in relation to body size and long at the end. The head is very finely spotted. The eyebrows are conspicuous whitish. In the neck there is a Occipitalgesicht. The white throat patch is no other color badge. The sides of breast and flanks are gray mottled with brown to orange - brown.

In the area of distribution of the Andean Sperlingskauzes several other pygmy owl species occur, with which it may be confused. The Parker Zwergkauz is smaller and more prominent and more streaked on the underparts. In the Yungas Pygmy Owl the sides of the body are touched. The Cloud Forest Pygmy Owl is slightly larger and heavier.

Area of distribution and habitat

The distribution area of the Andean Sperlingskauzes ranging from the Andes of Venezuela, to the north of Colombia and the center and the east of Ecuador to northern Peru. He is a state bird that inhabited semi-open mountain and cloud forests. Its altitudinal distribution ranges from 2,000 meters to 3,500 meters above sea level.

Way of life

How many other Sperlingskäuze is the Andean Pygmy Owl partially diurnal. He falls to often because it verhassen small birds. Its diet consists of small birds, insects and small mammals. It hunts usually consists of a raised hide. When nest boxes he uses abandoned woodpecker holes. The nest consists of three white eggs. Otherwise, the reproductive biology is largely unexplored.