Mochuelo Andino

Identificación

The Andean pygmy owl is 15 to 16 cm (5.9 to 6.3 in) long. Males weigh 54.9 to 77.4 g (1.9 to 2.7 oz) and females 54.6 to 75 g (1.9 to 2.6 oz). It has two distinct color morphs; in one the head, most of the body, wings, and tail are dull dark brown with white markings and in the other the same areas are dark chestnut with buff markings. In both the crown has small white dots. They have white "brows" over yellow eyes, white "moustaches", and a broad white throat. Their nape has a black and white face-like pattern. Their backs have spots and the tail bars, white or buff respectively. The sides of the breast are dark brown or chestnut with pale markings; the white breast and belly have heavy dark brown or chestnut streaks.

Taxonomía

The Andean pygmy owl is monotypic.

Nombre científico

Glaucidium jardinii

Autoridad

(Bonaparte, 1855)

Orden

Strigiformes

Familia

Strigidae

Género

Glaucidium

Distribución y hábitat

The Andean pygmy owl is found in far western Venezuela and the central and western Andes of Colombia south through Ecuador to central Peru. It inhabits a variety of mountain landscapes including cloudforest, elfin forest, Polylepis woodland, and sometimes more open landscapes like forest edge and pastures with scattered trees. It is found from the middle levels of the forest to the canopy. In elevation it ranges from about 1,500 to 3,500 m (4,900 to 11,500 ft) in Colombia and somewhat higher in Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru.

Migración

Resident species

Comportamiento

The Andean pygmy owl is active both day and night. Its diet is invertebrates, small birds, and small mammals.<p>The Andean pygmy owl's breeding phenology is poorly known. It nests in tree cavities such as old woodpecker holes. The clutch size is usually three.<p>The Andean pygmy owl's song is a "long series of rapidly delivered, evenly spaced 'poop' notes" that is sometimes preceded by two whistles.

Conservación

Tendencia poblacional

stable