Athene roseoaxillaris
The Makira Owl (Athene roseoaxillaris) is a small, compact species endemic to the isolated montane rainforests of Makira Island in the Solomon Islands. Reaching lengths of approximately 20-23 cm (8-9 inches) with a wingspan of 45-50 cm (18-20 inches) and weighing 120-180g, it exhibits typical owl proportions with a relatively short tail and no ear tufts. Its cryptic plumage features mottled dark brown and grey upperparts, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark, while its underparts ...
Endemic to Makira Island (Solomon Islands), inhabiting undisturbed primary montane rainforests, typically between 600-1500 meters elevation.
Mainly preys on large arboreal and ground-dwelling insects (e.g., stick insects, large beetles, moths), small reptiles (geckos, skinks), and occasionally small rodents or frogs, primarily caught by sallying from a perch.
Primarily nocturnal, the Makira Owl typically becomes active at dusk, though it may hunt during overcast days or at dawn in dense forest canopies. It roosts cryptically in dense foliage or natural tree cavities during daylight hours. This owl is a classic 'perch-and-pounce' predator, sallying sil...
The Makira Owl is strictly endemic to Makira Island (formerly San Cristobal) in the Solomon Islands archipelago of Oceania. Its distribution is highly restricted to primary montane rainforests, specifically found at elevations ranging from approximately 600 meters up to 1500 meters above sea leve...
Endangered
- The Makira Owl was only scientifically described in the late 1990s, making it one of the last *Athene* species to be discovered by science. - Its vibrant rosy-pink axillaries (underwings) are unique among *Athene* owls and are believed to serve as a visual signal in the dim light of its forest ...