The Central American pygmy owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is found in Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Region
Central America and Chocó
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, extending into western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. It inhabits lowland and foothill tropical forests, forest edges, and semi-open woodlands. Often found along riparian corridors, in second-growth, and in plantations adjacent to forest. Prefers areas with scattered tall trees for perching and hunting.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny owl is active by day as well as at dawn and dusk, which is unusual among owls. It often has two dark nape spots that resemble eyes, thought to deter predators and confuse mobbing songbirds. Despite its size, it preys on small birds, lizards, and large insects with bold, swift attacks.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, maintaining small territories. Nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes; clutch size is small and both adults attend the young. Frequently mobbed by small birds during daylight hours due to its predatory habits.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of evenly spaced, hollow toots, often in long sequences that carry through the forest. Also produces high, whistled notes and soft trills during territorial exchanges and pair contact.
Plumage
Compact, round-headed owl with plain brown to rufous upperparts and finely streaked or barred white underparts. Crown and back may show fine pale spotting; tail is barred. Nape shows two dark oval patches forming false eye-spots.
Diet
Feeds on small birds, large insects such as beetles and orthopterans, small lizards, and occasionally rodents. Hunts from a perch, scanning and then launching short, swift sallies to capture prey. Will cache surplus prey and may use dense foliage to ambush passing songbirds.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, and semi-open woodlands where perches overlook gaps. Often hunts from midstory branches and along trails or streams within forest.
