Least Pygmy-Owl

About the Least Pygmy-Owl

The East Brazilian pygmy owl (Glaucidium minutissimum), also known as least pygmy-owl or Sick's pygmy-owl, is a small owl in the typical owl family. It has been argued that the scientific name used here actually belongs to the Pernambuco pygmy owl, in which case the East Brazilian pygmy owl should be referred to as G. sicki (König & Weick, 2005). This has not gained widespread recognition.

Formerly, this species included the Colima pygmy owl, Tamaulipas pygmy owl, Central American pygmy owl, subtropical pygmy owl, and Baja pygmy owl as subspecies. This species has a large range. It can be found in southeastern Brazil and easternmost Paraguay. It inhabits tropical and subtropical moist evergreen forests and edges as well as open bush canopy. It is one of the smallest South American owls, averaging at 55 g (1.9 oz) and 15 cm (5.9 in) tall. Wing length can reach 85–91 mm (3.3–3.6 in), while the tail can reach a length of 49–54 mm (1.9–2.1 in). The head is rounded, with no ear tufts. The pale greyish-brown facial disk is not pronounced and shows some rufous concentric lines. The eyes are yellow, with whitish eyebrows. The... Wikipedia →