- Peruvian Pygmy-Owl
 - Peruvian Pygmy-Owl
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Peruvian Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium peruanum Scientific name definitions

Thomas S. Schulenberg and Hope Batcheller
Version: 1.0 — Published March 4, 2020
Text last updated April 27, 2012

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Introduction

The Peruvian Pygmy-Owl (also known as the Pacific Pygmy-Owl) is distinctive as it is the only pygmy-owl occurring in the lowlands on the west slope of the Andes. In intermontane valleys, where its range overlaps that of Yungas Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium bolivianum), it is best separated by its vocalizations and preference for dryer habitats. Peruvian Pygmy-Owls commonly hunting diurnally in dry forest and scrub, and frequently inhabit settled areas. Lowland birds are generally more rufous-colored than those occurring at higher elevations, having a paler, more cinnamon-colored appearance. The high-elevation birds tend to be darker gray or brown, with more extensive white spotting throughout. Peruvian Pygmy-Owl was confused until recently with the widespread Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum), but the rapid whistled song of Peruvian Pygmy-Owl is very different from the slower toots of Ferruginous.

Distribution of the Peruvian Pygmy-Owl - Range Map
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  • Year-round
  • Migration
  • Breeding
  • Non-Breeding
Distribution of the Peruvian Pygmy-Owl

Recommended Citation

Schulenberg, T. S. and H. Batcheller (2020). Peruvian Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium peruanum), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (T. S. Schulenberg, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.pepowl1.01
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