Long-Whiskered Owlet

An extremely rare species of tiny owl has been seen in the wild for the first time, according to the American Bird Conservancy. The long-whiskered owlet, one of the world's smallest owls, was first discovered in 1976. It was spotted in the wild in February by researchers monitoring a private conservation area in Peru's northern jungle.

The owl is so distinct that it has been named in its own genus, "Xenoglaux," meaning "strange owl," due to the long wispy feathers around its reddish-orange eyes. The owl inhabits the dense undergrowth of highland forests in a remote region of Peru. Its population is estimated to be less than 1,000 birds and possibly as few as 250.

Update:
Here is an additional article about the owls from National Geographic, with larger pictures.