Buhito Nubícola
Cloudforest Pygmy-owl
Glaucidium nubicola
Song
Cloudforest Pygmy-owl
Appearance: The Cloudforest Pygmy-owl is a small owl species, measuring around 15-17 cm in length and weighing approximately 45-60 grams. It has a round head with prominent yellow eyes and small ear tufts. The owl's plumage is primarily dark brown with white or buff spots and streaks, providing camouflage in its forest habitat.
Habitat: The Cloudforest Pygmy-owl is found in the cloud forests of the Andes mountains, typically at elevations between 1,800 and 3,000 meters in Colombia. These cloud forests are characterized by high humidity, frequent fog or mist, and lush vegetation, providing suitable hunting grounds for the owl.
Behavior: The Cloudforest Pygmy-owl is a primarily crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) predator that hunts insects, small birds, and mammals. It is known for its distinctive vocalizations, including a repetitive whistled call. These owls are solitary and maintain territories within the forest.
Breeding: Breeding behavior of the Cloudforest Pygmy-owl includes courtship displays, vocalizations, and nest-building. They typically nest in tree cavities or abandoned nests of other birds and lay 2-3 eggs. Both male and female birds participate in incubating the eggs and caring for the young.
Conservation Status: The conservation status of the Cloudforest Pygmy-owl is not well-documented as a distinct species.
Distribution
The Cloudforest Pygmy-owl is primarily found in the cloud forests of the Andes mountains in Colombia. These cloud forests are located in the higher elevations of the Andes, typically between 1,800 and 3,000 meters above sea level. The Cloudforest Pygmy-owl is a bird species that is specific to this habitat, where it preys on insects, small birds, and small mammals. This owl is known for its small size, distinctive facial features, and unique vocalizations. It is an important part of the ecosystem in the cloud forests of Colombia, playing a role in controlling insect populations and contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region.
Taxonomy
The Cloudforest Pygmy-owl(Glaucidium nubicola)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Strigiformes
- Family: Strigidae
- Genus: Glaucidium
- Species: Glaucidium nubicola
Vocalization
The Cloudforest Pygmy-owl, like many owl species, has a distinctive vocalization. The call of the Cloudforest Pygmy-owl is a series of hoots that are typically high-pitched and clear. The call is often described as a repetitive, whistled “poipoipoi...” sound that can carry through the dense vegetation of the cloud forest.
The vocalizations of the Cloudforest Pygmy-owl are used for communication between individuals, establishing territories, attracting mates, and signaling danger. These calls are most commonly heard during the early morning and late afternoon when the owls are most active.
