Subtropical Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium parkeri)

Identification & Behavior: ~15 cm (6 in). The Subtropical Pygmy-Owl has rufous and brown color morphs. The head is spotted in the adult. The breast can be rufous or brown with streaks down the belly. The pattern of streaks and spots on the upperparts is variable. 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 Andean Pygmy-Owl and Yungas Pygmy-Owl.

Status: The Yungas Pygmy-Owl ranges within a narrow elevational band of 900 to 1600 m on the east slope of the Andes. It appears to occur in isolated populations, but its distribution and population status are poorly understood. It also occurs in Bo.

Name in Spanish: Lechucita Subtropical.

Sub-species: Subtropical Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium parkeri), Robbins and Howell, 1995.

Meaning of Name: Glaucidium: Gr. glaukidion= diminutive of Glaux= little owl, little owl. parkeri: In honor of  Theodore ‘Ted’ Parker III (1953-1993) US field ornithologist with an unparalleled knowledge of Neotropical birds. .

See more of the Family Strigidae