Baja Pygmy-owl
Encyclopedia
The Cape Pygmy Owl or Baja Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium gnoma hoskinsii) is a subspecies of Northern Pygmy Owl
restricted to the Mexican
state of Baja California Sur
. Although some taxonomists consider it to be a distinct species, many authorities do not consider it separate.
or 17 cm (6 to 7 inches) long and weighs 50 to 65 grams (1.8–2.3 oz). Its plumage is sandy gray-brown, with females typically more reddish than males. Unlike many related owls, it does not seem to have gray and red morphs
. The adult's crown and back have many pale spots, which are biggest on the scapular feathers (where the wings join the back). The tail is long for an owl and is crossed by five or six pale bars. The underparts are off-white with brown streaks. The face shows little contrast except for white "false eyebrows". Like other pygmy owls (Glaucidium), it has yellow irises and a yellow bill, as well as two white-outlined black triangles on the back on the neck that suggest eyespots.
The commonly heard call is distinctly different from that of other pygmy owls in the region: a hoo hoo lasting about two seconds, with five to fifteen seconds between double hoots. This species occasionally begins a bout of hooting with up to five hoots in series. It may also utter "a rapid, slightly quavering huhuhu…" that may lead to hooting.
to Baja California Sur from the Sierra de la Laguna
in the Cape District, where it is fairly common, to the Sierra de la Gigante at least as far north as 26.5°. It inhabits pine
and pine-oak
woods from 1500 to 2100 meters (5000–7000 ft.) in altitude. In winter it can descend to 500 meters (1,640 ft.).
considers it a subspecies of the Northern Pygmy Owl
, Glaucidium gnoma (as it does several other populations). It has also been considered a subspecies of the Least Pygmy Owl. However, it is considered a separate species here following the Handbook of the Birds of the World
. According to one authority, DNA evidence suggests that the two species are not closely related.
who the American businessman George Burritt Sennett paid to collect birds in the 1880s. The first specimen of the Cape Pygmy Owl was collected on one of Frazar's expeditions.
Northern Pygmy Owl
The Northern Pygmy Owl , is a small owl native to North and Central America.-Taxonomy:Some experts consider this bird a superspecies with the Mountain Pygmy Owl. The American Ornithologists' Union, the authority for the North American region, does not recognize this split, so the populations are...
restricted to the Mexican
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
state of Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur , is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. Before becoming a state on October 8, 1974, the area was known as the South Territory of Baja California. It has an area of , or 3.57% of the land mass of Mexico and comprises...
. Although some taxonomists consider it to be a distinct species, many authorities do not consider it separate.
Description
It is 15 to 16.5 cmor 17 cm (6 to 7 inches) long and weighs 50 to 65 grams (1.8–2.3 oz). Its plumage is sandy gray-brown, with females typically more reddish than males. Unlike many related owls, it does not seem to have gray and red morphs
Polymorphism (biology)
Polymorphism in biology occurs when two or more clearly different phenotypes exist in the same population of a species — in other words, the occurrence of more than one form or morph...
. The adult's crown and back have many pale spots, which are biggest on the scapular feathers (where the wings join the back). The tail is long for an owl and is crossed by five or six pale bars. The underparts are off-white with brown streaks. The face shows little contrast except for white "false eyebrows". Like other pygmy owls (Glaucidium), it has yellow irises and a yellow bill, as well as two white-outlined black triangles on the back on the neck that suggest eyespots.
The commonly heard call is distinctly different from that of other pygmy owls in the region: a hoo hoo lasting about two seconds, with five to fifteen seconds between double hoots. This species occasionally begins a bout of hooting with up to five hoots in series. It may also utter "a rapid, slightly quavering huhuhu…" that may lead to hooting.
Range and habitat
The Cape Pygmy Owl is endemicEndemic (ecology)
Endemism is the ecological state of being unique to a defined geographic location, such as an island, nation or other defined zone, or habitat type; organisms that are indigenous to a place are not endemic to it if they are also found elsewhere. For example, all species of lemur are endemic to the...
to Baja California Sur from the Sierra de la Laguna
Sierra de la Laguna
The Sierra de la Laguna is a mountain range on the Baja California Peninsula of Mexico. It lies at the southern end of the peninsula in the state of Baja California Sur, and is the southernmost range of the Peninsular Ranges....
in the Cape District, where it is fairly common, to the Sierra de la Gigante at least as far north as 26.5°. It inhabits pine
Pine
Pines are trees in the genus Pinus ,in the family Pinaceae. They make up the monotypic subfamily Pinoideae. There are about 115 species of pine, although different authorities accept between 105 and 125 species.-Etymology:...
and pine-oak
Oak
An oak is a tree or shrub in the genus Quercus , of which about 600 species exist. "Oak" may also appear in the names of species in related genera, notably Lithocarpus...
woods from 1500 to 2100 meters (5000–7000 ft.) in altitude. In winter it can descend to 500 meters (1,640 ft.).
Classification
The American Ornithologists' UnionAmerican Ornithologists' Union
The American Ornithologists' Union is an ornithological organization in the USA. Unlike the National Audubon Society, its members are primarily professional ornithologists rather than amateur birders...
considers it a subspecies of the Northern Pygmy Owl
Northern Pygmy Owl
The Northern Pygmy Owl , is a small owl native to North and Central America.-Taxonomy:Some experts consider this bird a superspecies with the Mountain Pygmy Owl. The American Ornithologists' Union, the authority for the North American region, does not recognize this split, so the populations are...
, Glaucidium gnoma (as it does several other populations). It has also been considered a subspecies of the Least Pygmy Owl. However, it is considered a separate species here following the Handbook of the Birds of the World
Handbook of the Birds of the World
The Handbook of the Birds of the World is a multi-volume series produced by the Spanish publishing house Lynx Edicions. It is the first handbook to cover every known living species of bird. The series is edited by Josep del Hoyo, Andrew Elliott, Jordi Sargatal and David A Christie.So far, 15...
. According to one authority, DNA evidence suggests that the two species are not closely related.
Etymology
The epithet hoskinsii commemorates Francis Hoskins, an assistant to Marston Abbott Frazar, an ornithologistOrnithology
Ornithology is a branch of zoology that concerns the study of birds. Several aspects of ornithology differ from related disciplines, due partly to the high visibility and the aesthetic appeal of birds...
who the American businessman George Burritt Sennett paid to collect birds in the 1880s. The first specimen of the Cape Pygmy Owl was collected on one of Frazar's expeditions.
External links
- Page with images and sound recording from Owling.com. Accessed Sept. 25, 2007.