Central American Pygmy-Owl
NameCentral American Pygmy-Owl
Common NameCentral American Pygmy-Owl
Scientific NameGlaucidium griseiceps
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)33
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)60
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly rich brown on the upperparts, heavily spotted with white on the crown and nape. The underparts are whitish with brown streaking on the flanks, and the tail is dark with several narrow white bars. Two prominent dark patches on the nape resemble 'false eyes'.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a series of soft, whistled hoots, often accelerating into a trill, typically described as 'hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo'.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in humid tropical and subtropical forests from southern Mexico through Central America (Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama) to northwestern Colombia and western Ecuador.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Bright yellow eyes, Brown plumage with white spotting on head, Prominent 'false eyes' on nape, Diurnal activity
Description
This small, compact owl is characterized by its brown plumage and bright yellow eyes. It is often active during the day, hunting insects and small vertebrates from a perch in the forest understory.
