Least Pygmy-Owl
NameLeast Pygmy-Owl
Common NameLeast Pygmy-Owl
Scientific NameGlaucidium minutissimum
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)35
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)50
Plumage DetailsThe head is dark brown with fine white spotting, featuring prominent yellow eyes and white 'eyebrows'. Upperparts are rufous-brown, often with some white spotting, while the underparts are white with heavy rufous-brown streaking. The nape typically displays two dark patches resembling 'false eyes'.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a series of soft, whistled hoots, often accelerating towards the end, described as 'poo-poo-poo-poo-poo'.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in South America, primarily in southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina.
Identifying FeaturesVery small size, Bright yellow eyes, Spotted brown head, Streaked white underparts, Diurnal activity, False eyes on nape
Description
The Least Pygmy-Owl is a very small, compact owl with a relatively large, rounded head and bright yellow eyes. It is often active during the day, hunting insects and small vertebrates from a perch in the forest canopy.
