Tamaulipas Pygmy-Owl
NameTamaulipas Pygmy-Owl
Common NameTamaulipas Pygmy-Owl
Scientific NameGlaucidium sanchezi
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)33
Length (cm)14.5
Weight (g)45
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dark brown with fine white spotting on the crown and nape, and a barred tail. Underparts are whitish with heavy brown streaking on the breast and flanks. It has bright yellow eyes and a yellowish bill.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a series of short, whistled notes, often described as a rapid 'hoo-hoo-hoo' or 'toot-toot-toot' repeated.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to a restricted area of northeastern Mexico, primarily found in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range in Tamaulipas and San Luis Potosí.
Identifying Featuresvery small size, bright yellow eyes, yellowish bill, white spots on crown, streaked underparts, lack of ear tufts, diurnal activity, false eyes on nape
Description
This tiny owl is one of the smallest in North America, characterized by its compact body and rounded head. It is often active during the day, perching conspicuously in the forest canopy while hunting insects and small vertebrates.
