Pernambuco pygmy owl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pernambuco pygmy owl |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Glaucidium
|
| Species: |
mooreorum
|
 |
|
| Distribution of Pernambuco pygmy owl Resident | |
The Pernambuco pygmy owl (Glaucidium mooreorum) is a very small type of owl. It belongs to the Strigidae family, which includes most owls. This special owl was first described by scientists in 2002. It lives only in the state of Pernambuco in Brazil.
Contents
Discovering the Pernambuco Pygmy Owl
Scientists first described the Pernambuco pygmy owl in December 2002. They looked closely at two owl skins that were collected back in 1980. At first, people thought these skins belonged to other types of pygmy owls. These included the East Brazilian pygmy owl or the Amazonian pygmy owl.
However, after studying the skins more carefully, scientists found something new. They also listened to recordings of the owl's calls from 1990. Based on these findings, they realized it was a completely new species of owl.
What Does the Pernambuco Pygmy Owl Look Like?
The Pernambuco pygmy owl is quite small. It is about 13 cm (5.1 in) (5 inches) long. It weighs around 51 g (1.8 oz) (1.8 ounces).
Its face has a mix of whitish and brownish streaks. The rest of its head is a dark brown color with tiny white dots. The owl's upper body is chestnut-colored. Its tail is dark brownish-black with lines of white spots. These spots look like broken bars across the tail. The owl's belly and chest are white. The sides of its chest are brown, and its flanks have brown streaks. Young owls of this species have not yet been described.
This owl looks like other pygmy owls from its group. It has a light grey-chestnut head with clear white spots. These spots are on its face and head, going down to its neck. It also has a white collar and white underparts with reddish streaks. Its back is chestnut, and its dark tail has white spots. It is different from similar owls because it is lighter in color. It also has a different size and voice.
Where the Owl Lives and Its Home
The Pernambuco pygmy owl is found only in a small area. This area is in the northeastern part of Brazil, in Pernambuco state.
It has been seen living in the tops of trees in humid forests. These forests are often near the edge of other areas. The owl lives at a low elevation, up to about 150 m (490 ft) (490 feet) above sea level.
Pernambuco Pygmy Owl Behavior
What the Owl Eats
Scientists once saw a Pernambuco pygmy owl eating a large cicada. We do not know much else about what it eats. However, scientists believe it probably eats other insects. It might also eat small mammals and small reptiles.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The Pernambuco pygmy owl is very active with its calls during the rainy season. This season usually happens in April and May. This suggests that it might be breeding during these months. However, scientists do not have much other information about how or when it reproduces.
How the Owl Sings
The song of the Pernambuco pygmy owl is short. It has about "5–7 notes." Each note in its song gets higher in pitch.
Why the Owl is in Danger
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has studied the Pernambuco pygmy owl. They have listed it as Critically Endangered. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever. They have also added "Possibly Extinct" to its status.
This owl was first listed as Critically Endangered. But a study in 2018 looked at bird extinction patterns. It also noted that almost all of the owl's forest home has been destroyed. Because of this, experts suggested changing its status. They recommended adding "Possibly Extinct." This change was made the following year.
The Pernambuco pygmy owl has not been seen since 2001. This is true even though people have searched for it a lot. If any of these owls are still alive, there are very few of them. Their population is likely getting smaller. They also live in an extremely tiny area. Scientists believe there might be fewer than fifty adult owls left.
