East Brazilian Pygmy Owl

Overview

The East Brazilian pygmy owl (Glaucidium minutissimum), also known as the least pygmy-owl or Sick's pygmy-owl, is one of the smallest South American owls. It is classified on the IUCN Red List as a species of Least Concern.

Identification

• One of the smallest South American owls, averaging 15 cm tall and 55 g in weight.
• Head is rounded with no ear tufts; features a pale greyish-brown facial disk with rufous concentric lines and yellow eyes with whitish eyebrows.
• Upper body is rufous-brown with small white spots; wings are dark brown and short, while the tail has five pale bars.
• Lower body is light gray or white with reddish-brown stripes, and the throat shows a rounded whitish area.
• Legs are feathered with yellowish toes; beak is yellow-green and claws are horn-colored with dark tips.
• The male song consists of two to four long notes separated by short pauses.

Habitat

Found in southeastern Brazil and easternmost Paraguay. It inhabits tropical and subtropical moist evergreen forests and their edges, as well as open bush canopy.

Diet

Mainly feeds on small insects but sometimes catches small vertebrates. It is active at dusk and dawn, though it occasionally hunts during the day.

Did you know?

It has been argued that the scientific name Glaucidium minutissimum actually belongs to the Pernambuco pygmy owl, implying the East Brazilian pygmy owl should be referred to as G. sicki, although this has not gained widespread recognition.