Subspecies
Considered by some authors to form superspecies with Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum), Peruvian Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium peruanum) and Austral Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium nana). Formerly treated as subspecies of Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum), but differs in vocalizations and DNA. Subspecies pallens of Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum), with adjacent distribution and occupying similar habitat, perhaps better included with present species.
Considered by some authors to be a subspecies of Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum).