Very small owl of desert and western foothills of the Andes; no other pygmy-owl in its range. Overall plumage tones vary from brown to gray-brown, rarely rusty 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 woodlands, hedges with taller trees, gardens, and locally in more open country. Ranges low to high, from canopy of tallest trees to low in thickets; sometimes perches on roadside wires.