Bare-legged Owl
NameBare-legged Owl
Common NameBare-legged Owl
Scientific NameOtus insularis
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)42.5
Length (cm)21
Weight (g)90
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly rufous-brown on the upperparts, transitioning to paler, streaked underparts. It has a rufous facial disc with a darker rim around its large, dark brown eyes. Its legs are unfeathered, giving rise to its common name.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a distinctive, rasping 'whook-whook' or 'krrroo' call, often repeated at regular intervals, particularly at night.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeThis species is endemic to Mahé Island in the Seychelles archipelago, where it inhabits humid evergreen forests, often near streams.
Identifying Featuressmall size, dark eyes, lack of ear tufts, rufous-brown plumage with streaking, unfeathered legs, distinctive rasping call, endemic to Mahé Island
Description
The Bare-legged Owl, also known as the Seychelles Scops Owl, is a small, nocturnal owl endemic to Mahé Island. It is characterized by its compact body, large dark eyes, and the absence of prominent ear tufts. This elusive bird primarily hunts insects and small vertebrates within the dense forest canopy.
