The Amazonian pygmy owl, also known as Hardy's pygmy owl, is an owl found in northern South America and the Amazon Basin. A member of the Strigidae family, it is a true owl.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across lowland Amazonian rainforest in northern South America, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and adjacent countries. It favors terra firme and várzea forests, forest edges, and tall secondary growth. Typically uses the subcanopy and midstory, perching quietly to scan for prey. It can be found along river corridors and in mosaic habitats where clearings meet mature forest.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called Hardy's pygmy owl, it is one of the smallest owls of the Amazon. Like many pygmy owls, it is active by day as well as at dusk and dawn, and often hunts birds larger than itself by surprise. It has eye-like spots on the back of the head that may deter predators. Its simple, repeated tooting call carries far through dense forest.
Two Amazonian pygmy owls perched in the canopy.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes in trees; the male often provisions the incubating female and chicks. Highly vocal within territory and may draw in small passerines that mob it.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of evenly spaced, hollow toots given in long sequences, often at dawn and dusk. Calls can accelerate slightly or include short pauses, carrying well through dense foliage.
