Cloud-forest Pygmy Owl
A species of Pygmy-owls Scientific name : Glaucidium nubicola Genus : Pygmy-owls
Cloud-forest Pygmy Owl, A species of Pygmy-owls
Botanical name: Glaucidium nubicola
Genus: Pygmy-owls
Content
Description General Info
Description
The cloud-forest pygmy owl is a small owl, 14.5 –16 cm (5.7–6.3 in) in length with a 92.8–96.3 cm (3.7–3.8 in) wingspan. Weight can range from 75.6 to 79.3 g (2.7 to 2.8 lb). The male and female have similar markings and plumage, but as in many birds of prey this pygmy owl may display sexual dimorphism in size, with the female being more than 3% larger and more than 3% heavier than the male. The standard linear measurements are: the tail measures 46.8 mm (1.8 in) and the bill (from cere to tip) measures 11.3 mm (0.4 in). (Note that all these measurements come from only three males and one female of Glaucidium nubicola.) This presumed sexual dimorphism is referred to as reversed sexual dimorphism (RSD). The cloud-forest pygmy owl has the typical Neotropical pygmy owl appearance. It is dark brown overall, but there are some individuals with a more rufous-brown wash. Its back, scapulars, upperwing-coverts are darker and its rump is washed dark rufous-brown and spotted white. It has whitish spots on primaries and secondaries which form an indistinct band. Its tail is blackish with five incomplete white bands. The chin, sides of throat and upper chest are white, while sides of the chest are rufous-brown. It has inconspicuous white spots on breast and more distinct streaks on lower underparts. Its rounded head lacks ear tufts. The iris is yellow, the legs are yellow too, and the bill is greenish-yellow. It has two nape patches, in the form of two spots of dark feathers edged in white; these resemble eyes and are called “false eyespots”. These "eyespots" are a remarkable plumage pattern found in many Glaucidium owls and some other owl species that are active during the day. The “false eyespots” presumably fool larger predators and perhaps smaller mobbing birds into thinking that the owl is aware of their presence. Its facial ruff, and the facial disk that covers it, are smaller and less well developed than they are in highly nocturnal owl species. Its plumage colours make this species highly cryptic, presumably to allow it to roost undisturbed. It has rounded wings, like other species that hunt from a perch. The cloud-forest pygmy owl is quite similar to temperate forms of Costa Rican pygmy owl (Glaucidium costaricanum), Andean pygmy owl (G. jardinii) and Yungas pygmy owl (G. bolivianum), but it is heavier and has a shorter tail. Besides, it has minimal or complete lack of pale spotting or barring on the back, sides of the chest and flanks. In contrast with the similar appearing Costa Rican pygmy owl, its “false eyespots” are bordered with white in all non-rufous individuals. 
Size
16 cm
Feeding Habits
Cloud-forest Pygmy Owl thrives on a varied diet, primarily consuming insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, and cicadas, and also hunting small vertebrates including birds and lizards. Cloud-forest Pygmy Owl's 'sit-and-wait' hunting technique involves perching and pouncing from above, utilizing flight for foraging and a longer tail for agile in-flight prey capture.
Habitat
Cloud-forest Pygmy Owl is predominantly found in primary cloudforests characterized by dense understory and a canopy reaching 15 meters high. Its habitat includes areas with steep slopes and is also known to inhabit secondary forests and forest edges. The species favors environments rich in moisture and lush vegetation typical of cloudforest ecosystems.
Dite type
Carnivorous
General Info
Behavior
In common with other species of pygmy owls, this species is quite diurnal, and consumes both invertebrates and small vertebrates. Nevertheless, owing to its small size and retiring habits -generally being perched in dense evergreen trees- it is not often noticed.
Distribution Area
The cloud-forest pygmy owl is endemic to the Andean portion of the Chocó biogeographic region. Its range extends from Alto de Pisones in Risaralda (Colombia) on the north, to northern Cotopaxi (Ecuador) on the south; with an apparently isolated population in south-west El Oro (Ecuador). This population represents the lower elevation limit for the species (900 m a.s.l.) and its most southerly record up to now. Juan F. Freile and Diego F. Castro have proposed that current distribution of the cloud-forest pygmy owl is continuous from northern to southern Cotopaxi, and along the Pacific slope in Azuay, El Oro and Loja. This potential distribution comprises roughly 2570 km. This pygmy owl inhabits primary or slightly altered cloud forests in mountainous regions of high rainfall and steep slopes. It is not actually restricted to primary forests, and is at least capable of persisting in altered habitats. Its habitat can be of difficult access for humans, but can also be prone to natural fragmentation. Thus, like other species that are tied to cloud forest, it is known only from a very small range. It is found in low densities in the canopy and middle stratum of forest. Nevertheless, it can descend into the understory for feeding.
Species Status
The species is currently classified as vulnerable globally because it is suspected to be undergoing a rapid population decline within its naturally small distribution range, owing to severe ongoing deforestation. In addition, its probable distributional range is well below 5000 km, and the population size is preliminarily estimated between only 2500 and 9999 individuals, of which 1500-7000 mature individuals. It has lost 57% of its global range and 33% of its range in Ecuador. In Colombia less than 55% of its range remains. Therefore, the cloud-forest pygmy owl is also ranked vulnerable in Colombia and vulnerable status has also been suggested for Ecuadorian populations.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Owls Family
True owls Genus
Pygmy-owls Species
Cloud-forest Pygmy Owl 
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