East Brazilian pygmy owl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids East Brazilian pygmy owl |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Glaucidium
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| Species: |
minutissimum
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| Distribution of East Brazilian pygmy owl Resident | |
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The East Brazilian pygmy owl is a tiny bird of prey, a type of owl. It's also known as the least pygmy-owl or Sick's pygmy-owl. Its scientific name is Glaucidium minutissimum. This small owl belongs to the typical owl family, called Strigidae.
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What is the East Brazilian Pygmy Owl?
Understanding its Scientific Name
Scientists give every living thing a special scientific name. This helps everyone around the world know exactly which animal they are talking about. The East Brazilian pygmy owl's scientific name is Glaucidium minutissimum. Sometimes, scientists discuss if a name should be different. For this owl, some have suggested G. sicki, but Glaucidium minutissimum is still the most common name.
Where Does This Owl Live?
The East Brazilian pygmy owl lives in a large area. You can find it in southeastern Brazil. It also lives in the eastern part of Paraguay.
What is the East Brazilian Pygmy Owl's Home Like?
This owl makes its home in tropical and subtropical forests. It likes places where the trees stay green all year. It can be found deep inside these moist forests. It also lives along the edges of forests. Sometimes, it even lives in open areas with bushes and trees.
What Does the East Brazilian Pygmy Owl Look Like?
The East Brazilian pygmy owl is one of the smallest owls in South America. It weighs about 55 grams (about 2 ounces). It stands around 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) tall. Its wings are about 85 to 91 millimeters long. Its tail can be about 49 to 54 millimeters long.
Key Features of This Owl
- Head: It has a round head. Unlike some owls, it does not have ear tufts.
- Face: Its face is a pale grayish-brown. It has some reddish-brown lines that form circles.
- Eyes: Its eyes are bright yellow. It has whitish eyebrows above its eyes.
- Body Color: The top part of its body is a dark reddish-brown. It has small white spots all over. Its wings are dark brown and not very long.
- Tail: The tail is dark brown. It has five pale bars or stripes across it.
- Underparts: The lower part of its body is light gray or white. It has reddish-brown stripes.
- Throat: There is a rounded whitish area on its throat.
- Legs and Feet: Its legs are covered in feathers. Its toes are yellowish and bristly. The claws are horn-colored with dark tips.
- Beak: Its beak is yellow-green.
What Does the East Brazilian Pygmy Owl Do?
Hunting and Eating Habits
The East Brazilian pygmy owl mostly eats small insects. Sometimes, it also catches small animals with backbones, like tiny lizards or mice.
When is it Active?
This owl is most active during dusk (when the sun sets) and dawn (when the sun rises). This means it hunts when it's not fully dark or fully light. But sometimes, it will hunt during the day too.
Its Unique Song
The male East Brazilian pygmy owl has a special song. It sings two to four long notes. These notes are separated by short pauses.
