Andean Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium jardinii)

Identification & Behavior: ~17.5 cm (7 in). The Andean Pygmy-Owl has rufous and brown color morphs. The head is spotted in the adult and streaked in the juvenile. All color morphs show “false eyes” on the nape area. The breast can be rufous or brown with broad streaks down the belly. The pattern of streaks and spots on the upperparts vary with the color morph. The iris is yellow. The color morphs in Glaucidium pygmy-owls makes visual identification challenging. Voice, elevation, and range should be considered for proper identification. Also, see Yungas Pygmy-Owl and Subtropical Pygmy-Owl

Status: The Andean Pygmy-Owl is fairly common to uncommon within an elevational band of 1500-3600 m on the east slope of the Andes. It also occurs in Co, Ec, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Lechucita Andina.

Sub-species: Andean Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium jardinii), Bonaparte, 1855.

Meaning of Name: Glaucidium: Gr. glaukidion= diminutive of Glaux= little owl, little owl. jardinii: In honor of Sir William Jardine, Bt. (1800-1874) Scottish ornithologist.

See more of the Family Strigidae