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.
