Peruvian Pygmy Owl. Urban Birds of the Park, Gardens, and Surrounding areas of the city of Loja – Ecuador. 44 bird species . Illustrated by Pablo Andrade. Work supported by Jan Hinloopen.

Distribution.

Mostly below 1500 m, a few to 2400 m in south of Loja.

Peruvian Pygmy Owl. Birds of Loja Ecuador.- Common and widespread in lowlands and subtropics of southwest, where it occupies a range of habitats, including deciduous woodland and forest, agricultural and settled terrain with scattered trees ( even towns and city parks) and desert scrub; in el Oro and Loja also ranges well up into montane forest and scrub.

Description.

16 – 16,5 cm (6.5 “). Lowland birds: resemble Ferruginous Pygmy Owl ( found east of Andes, so no overlap) but differ in slightly broader crown streaking and typically paler and more cinnamon dorsal coloration (though a gray brown morph does occur). Subtropical Birds usually more grayish brown (a rufous morph may occur , but if so it is rare); crowm more spotted with streaking restricted to forehead, and white spots on scapulars and wings larger and more profuse. 

Habitats.

The Peruvian Pygmy Owl can be seen in agricultural and settled areas; regularly seen perching on roadside wires. Occus also around Loja city and on the trees along the rivers Malacatus and Zamora.

Voice.

Most common song a seriesof rapidly delivered “pu” notes, continued for 10 to upward of 30 – 45 seconds. Excited birds can break into a “kw-kw-kw-kw-kw-kw-kwik-kwik-kwik.” 

Information taken from the book Birds Of Ecuador of Robert Ridgely and Paul Greenfield