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Photo: © Fernando Burgalin Sequeria eBird S132649544 Macaulay Library ML 564560641
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Ferruginous Pygmy-owl

Glaucidium brasilianum
Buhito Ferrugineo
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Song

Ferruginous Pygmy-owl

Appearance: The Ferruginous Pygmy-owl is a small owl species, has a rounded head with prominent false eye spots on the back of its neck, which are believed to help deter potential predators. This owl species has a rusty or reddish-brown plumage with white spots or streaks on its upperparts and a light-colored belly with dark streaks. It also has yellow eyes and a relatively short tail. 
Habitat: Ferruginous Pygmy-owls are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, mangroves, savannas, and along forest edges.They inhabit diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests to dry forests and even urban areas with suitable vegetation for roosting and nesting. 
Behavior: These owls are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, especially around dawn and dusk. They prey on a variety of small animals, including insects, small mammals, birds, and reptiles.  They are known for their aggressive behavior, especially during territorial disputes with other owls or predators. 
Breeding: Breeding usually occurs during the breeding season, varying by location. They nest in tree cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes, or old nests of other bird species. The female lays a clutch of eggs, usually 2-4 eggs, which are then incubated for about 3-4 weeks. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young, which fledge after a few weeks. 
Conservation Status: The Ferruginous Pygmy-owl is considered a species of Least Concern on a global scale, as it has a wide distribution and is not currently facing significant population declines.

Distribution

Caribbean Region: Found in dry and humid forests, including locations in the northern coastal areas. - Occurs in regions such as the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and parts of La Guajira. 
Andean Region: Present in the Andean foothills and montane forests. 
Amazon Region: Inhabits the tropical lowland forests of the Amazon basin. In departments like Amazonas and Caquetá. 
Orinoco Region: Occurs in the eastern plains and forested areas of the Orinoco region. Found in Vaupés and Guaviare. 

Pacific Region: Although less common, it can be found in the humid forests along the Pacific coast and surrounding areas.

Taxonomy

The Ferruginous Pygmy-owl (Glaucidium brasilianum)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Strigiformes
  • Family: Strigidae
  • Genus: Glaucidium
  • Species: Glaucidium brasilianum

Vocalization

Call: The Ferruginous Pygmy-owl's most recognizable call consists of a series of sharp, whistled notes that often sound like a "toot" or "who." These calls occur in sequences of three to five notes.
Alarm Calls: When threatened, these owls may produce harsher, louder calls that can serve as alarm signals to other owls or to alert their young. 
Territorial Communication: Males use their calls to establish and defend their territory from potential rivals. 
Mating Displays: During courtship, males vocalize to attract females and demonstrate their fitness as potential mates.
Parent-Offspring Communication: Vocalizations also play a role in communication between parents and their chicks, especially during foraging and nesting periods.