Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl

Glaucidium brasilianum

tecolote bajeño

Voice: Long-winded, repetitive (about 3/second) whistled notes, “hooip, hooip, hooip, hooip…….”

Listen (MP3, 252.6 KB)

Download an audio player.

Status: Rare resident of the Valley, primarily in the riparian woodlands below Falcon Dam. Accidental elsewhere in the Valley, although there is a recent record at Bentsen SP. Locally common just north of the Valley in Kenedy County at El Canelo, Kenedy, and King Ranches. This species can be reliably heard and often seen at Bentsen State Park.

Habitat: Woods and woodland edges.

Best Spots: No reliable spots in the Valley; best spots are in Kenedy County at the Inn at El Canelo, the King Ranch (Norias Division), and the Kenedy Ranch. This species can be reliably heard and often seen at Bentsen State Park.

Similar Species: Only slightly larger than Elf Owl, a locally uncommon summer resident in the mid-Valley. Compared to Elf Owl, the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl has a longer (banded) tail, is heavily streaked below, and has a finely streaked crown. Unlike the nocturnal Elf Owl, the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl is diurnal, and can be seen throughout day.

<< Select another bird species

Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl - Range Map

All content is copyright of World Birding Center unless otherwise noted.