Margarobyas lawrencii
The Bare-legged Owl (Margarobyas lawrencii) is a captivating small to medium-sized owl, measuring approximately 20-23 cm (8-9 inches) in length and weighing around 80-120 grams, characterized by a compact body, short tail, and a relatively large head. Its plumage is predominantly rufous-brown to cinnamon-brown on the upperparts, finely barred with darker brown, while the underparts are paler, whitish to buff, heavily streaked or barred with rufous-brown. Distinctive field marks include its st...
Inhabits dense, humid evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, particularly favoring areas with limestone karst formations, from sea level up to about 1000 meters. Often found near caves, sinkholes, and wooded ravines.
Feeds primarily on large insects such as beetles, moths, grasshoppers, and crickets, along with scorpions and spiders, occasionally supplementing with small lizards or rodents. Forages by perch-and-pounce from elevated vantage points.
Primarily nocturnal, the Bare-legged Owl occasionally exhibits crepuscular activity at dawn or dusk, typically roosting inconspicuously in dense canopy foliage, tree cavities, or limestone crevices during daylight hours. It employs a classic perch-and-pounce hunting strategy, sitting silently on ...
The Bare-legged Owl is strictly endemic to Cuba, occurring throughout the main island (Isla de Cuba) and on several larger adjacent cays, including Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, and Cayo SaetÃa. It is also found on Isla de la Juventud (formerly Isle of Pines). Its distribution spans a variety of for...
Least Concern
- It is the only owl species in the entire Americas with completely unfeathered tarsi (lower legs), a defining physical trait that gives it its common name. - This owl is a "living fossil" in a way, being the sole member of its genus, *Margarobyas*, making it unique among its owl relatives. - It ...