The rare owl has the scientific name Xenoglaux loweryi, where "Xenoglaux" means strange owl. This description comes from its long and wispy facial feathers that extend out past its head and around its reddish-orange eyes. It also has a whitish belly and eyebrow area. It is one of the smallest owls in the world, being only about 13 to 14 centimeters (5.0 to 5.5 inches) in total length. It is believed to eat insects.

Its range of habitat is restricted to the humid tropical climate in the Andean mountains in northern Peru with its extensive and dense undergrowth and epiphytes (plants that grow on one another for support). The area is located at an altitude of about 1,890 to 2,200 meters (6,200 to 7,220 feet) above sea level.

The tiny owl is considered endangered because of its rarity, continuing deforestation of its natural habitat, and its small limited habitat. Only between 250 and 1,000 owls are believed to exist.

A video of the Long-whiskered owlet is provided compliments of MSNBC: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17746419/.

Further description of the owl is found at: http://www.hawk-conservancy.org/priors/longwhiskeredowlet.shtml.

{moscomment}