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Birds of Zihuatanejo

CLASS AVES

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Chordates (Phylum Chordata)

-Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)

-Birds (Class Aves)

-Owls (Order Strigiformes)

-Typical Owls (Family Strigidae)

-Pygmy-Owls and Owlets (Genus Glaucidium)

-Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum


The Colima Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium palmarum) is a small, compact owl. Active primarily during the day and at twilight, it is notably bold for its size. Measuring about 15–17 cm in length, it has a rounded head without ear tufts and grayish-brown to warm brown plumage finely marked with white above and streaked below. Its bright yellow eyes are striking, and a pair of dark false eye spots on the nape gives the impression of constant vigilance. The species inhabits tropical deciduous forest, thorn forest, and semi-open woodland at low to middle elevations, often along edges and clearings. An opportunistic and assertive hunter, it feeds on large insects, lizards, small mammals, and small birds, usually hunting from exposed perches. Its presence is often revealed by its voice—a series of short, rhythmic whistles—rather than by sight.

Colima Pygmy Owl

Glaucidium palmarum

Diet

  • Primarily large insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, moths, and cicadas.

  • Also preys on small lizards, frogs, mice, and small birds.

  • Hunts from exposed perches, making short, swift flights to capture prey.

  • Mostly active at dawn and dusk but is frequently seen during the day.

Range

  • Endemic to western Mexico, occurring along the Pacific slope from Jalisco south through Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, and western Oaxaca.

  • Occurs in the Zihuatanejo region, where it is an uncommon but regular year-round resident.

  • Inhabits tropical dry forests, semi-deciduous forests, thorn forests, woodland edges, and adjacent foothills, generally from sea level to about 1,500 m.

Male / Female

  • Male: Brownish-gray to rufous-brown upperparts with white spotting, whitish underparts streaked with brown, bright yellow eyes, and prominent false eye spots (ocelli) on the back of the head. Slightly smaller than the female.

  • Female: Nearly identical in plumage but generally larger and heavier.

  • Sexes cannot be reliably distinguished in the field except by subtle size differences when observed together.

Size

  • Length: 14–16 cm (5.5–6.3 in)

  • Wingspan: 33–37 cm (13–15 in)

  • Weight: 50–70 g

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