Glaucidium parkeri
Buhito Subtropical
Subtropical Pygmy-owl
Song
Subtropical Pygmy-owl
Appearance: Measures about 15-20 cm (6-8 in), making it one of the smallest owls. Brownish or grayish plumage with white spots; underparts lighter for camouflage. Large yellow/orange eyes for sharp vision. Subtle facial disk with varying patterns.
Habitat: Prefers subtropical and tropical forests, including montane forests. Found at 1,000 to 2,500 meters in humid areas. Uses tree hollows or old woodpecker cavities.
Behavior: Mostly active at dawn and dusk; sometimes during the day. Feeds on small mammals, insects, and birds using keen eyesight and hearing. Known for distinctive calls important for communication.
Breeding: Breeds in the wet season. Typically 2 to 4 eggs incubated by the female. Young fledge in about 30 days and depend on parents shortly after.
Conservation Status: IUCN Status: Listed as Least Concern, but population trends are unclear.
Distribution
The Subtropical Pygmy-owl is found in the Andes mountains of Colombia. This small owl species inhabits subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, cloud forests, and forest edges at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,300 meters. Its range specifically includes regions such as the Andean slopes of the western cordillera in Colombia.
Taxonomy
The Subtropical Pygmy-owl (Glaucidium parkeri)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Strigiformes
- Family: Strigidae
- Genus: Glaucidium
- Species: Glaucidium parkeri
Vocalization
The Subtropical Pygmy-owl is known for its vocalizations, which primarily consist of a series of hooting calls that are repeated several times. The hoots are typically clear and whistled, with a rising and falling pitch. The call is often described as a rhythmic "ho- ho-ho-hoooo" or "ho-ho-hoo-hoo" series. These calls are used by the owls for territorial purposes, communication with other owls, and during courtship.
