The Pernambuco pygmy owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. This species, first described in 2002, is endemic to Pernambuco state in Brazil.
Region
Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Northeast)
Typical Environment
Historically associated with lowland and foothill evergreen Atlantic Forest remnants in Pernambuco. It likely uses the forest interior and edges, hunting from shaded perches in the subcanopy and midstory. Surviving habitat is highly fragmented, and the owl’s occurrence is presumed to be extremely patchy. Records suggest a strong dependence on well-structured native forest rather than open or heavily degraded areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
First described in 2002, the Pernambuco pygmy owl is known only from a few records in the severely fragmented Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil. It is considered Critically Endangered and possibly extinct due to extensive habitat loss. Like other pygmy owls, it is small, secretive, and likely reliant on mature forest structure.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Typically secretive and solitary outside the breeding season. Likely nests in tree cavities, as do other Glaucidium owls, and may reuse old woodpecker holes. Pairs are presumed to defend small territories within forest fragments.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Presumed to give a series of clear, evenly spaced toots typical of pygmy owls, carrying well through forest. Calls may accelerate slightly in short sequences and include soft whistles or trills at close range.
Plumage
Small, compact owl with finely spotted brown upperparts and streaked whitish underparts. Tail is barred; crown and mantle show small pale spots. Nape bears distinctive dark patches that resemble eyespots.
Diet
Feeds on small vertebrates and large arthropods, including insects, small lizards, and occasionally small birds or rodents. Hunts from low to mid-level perches, making short sallies to capture prey. Likely uses ambush tactics and caches some prey, as observed in related pygmy owls.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense, mature or semi-mature Atlantic Forest, especially along edges, clearings, and along quiet forest trails where prey activity is concentrated. Often uses perches in the subcanopy and midstory with good cover for concealment.
