Make Mine Rare

LIMA, Peru - An extremely rare species of tiny owl has been seen in the wild for the first time, prompting chefs worldwide to plan recipes for this new found delicacy. The long-whiskered owlet, one of the world's smallest owls, was first discovered in 1976. Researchers have caught a few specimens in nets after dark but had not seen them in nature until they were spotted in the wild in February by researchers monitoring a private conservation area in Peru's northern jungle.

The conservancy said in a news release that investigators encountered the owlet three times during daylight hours and recorded its calls frequently at night. The group said the sighting "is considered the holy grail of South American ornithology and French cuisine."

The owl is so distinct that it has been named in its own genus, "Xenoglaux," meaning "strangely tasty owl," due to the long wispy feathers and piquant aroma when served in a glaze sauce.
The owl inhabits the dense undergrowth of highland forests in a remote region of Peru.

"Cooking the long-whiskered owlet is a huge thrill," said Chef Andre of N’est Pas Le Cordon Bleu, who was a member of the research team. "Its population is estimated to be less than 1,000 birds and possibly as few as 250, so we sautéed only a few-- but the ones we cooked were magnifique!”

The eggs of the owlet also make superior omelets, according to Chef Andre, although 24 owlet eggs are typically required for a normal sized omelet due to the owlet’s diminutive stature.