Yungas Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium bolivianum)

Identification & Behavior: ~17.5 cm (7 in). The Yungas Pygmy-Owl has rufous and brown color morphs. The head is heavily spotted in the adult. The breast can be rufous or brown with dense streaking on the rest of the underparts. The pattern of streaks and spots on the upperparts is variable. The iris is yellow. Extremely difficult to separate from the Andean Pygmy Owl, which ranges at higher elevations. 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 Subtropical Pygmy-Owl.

Status: The Yungas Pygmy-Owl is uncommon, and ranges generally below the range of the Andean Pygmy-Owl at elevations ranging between 1500-3200 m. It also occurs in Bo.

Name in Spanish: Lechusita de las Yungas.

Sub-species: Yungas Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium bolivianum), C. König, 1991. NE slope of Andes in Peru, WC Bolivia and NW Argentina.

Meaning of Name: Glaucidium: Gr. glaukidion= diminutive of Glaux= little owl, little owl. bolivianum: Originating from the country of Bolivia in South America.

See more of the Family Strigidae