Very small owl of southern South America; no other pygmy-owl in its range. Overall plumage tones vary from brown to rusty, rarely gray-brown. Often active in daytime. Fairly common but easily overlooked, although persistent tooting song and presence of mobbing small birds can draw attention. Found in forests, woodlands, parks, matorral with taller trees, and locally in more open country. Ranges low to high, from canopy of tallest trees to low in bamboo thickets; sometimes perches on roadside wires.