Head to head
Austral Pygmy-owl vs Magellanic Horned Owl
Austral Pygmy-owl
VS Magellanic Horned Owl
Both owls share parts of the same southern South American range, but their size and daily activity patterns could hardly be more different.
| Austral Pygmy-owl | Magellanic Horned Owl | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Glaucidium nano | Bubo magellanicus |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Body size | One of the smaller regional owls | Large, horned owl build |
| Activity pattern | Hunts primarily by day | Mostly active at night |
| Distinguishing feature | False eye markings on back of head | Prominent feather tufts resembling horns |
| Habitat preference | Forest and grassland | Open steppe and high Andean terrain |
| Elevational range | Not especially broad | Lowland steppe to high Andean terrain |
| Habitat | Forest, grassland | Grassland, mountains, desert |
Austral Pygmy-owl vs Magellanic Horned Owl: common questions
Which owl hunts during the day?
The austral pygmy-owl does, hunting primarily during daylight hours, unlike the Magellanic horned owl, which is mostly active at night like most owl species.
Which owl is larger?
The Magellanic horned owl is, a smaller relative of the great horned owl but still considerably larger than the austral pygmy-owl, one of the smaller owls in the region.
Which owl has false eye markings?
The austral pygmy-owl does, carrying false eye-like markings on the back of its head that may confuse mobbing birds, a feature the Magellanic horned owl does not have.