About the Bare-legged Owl
The bare-legged owl, also called the Cuban bare-legged owl or Cuban screech owl, is a species of owl in the family Strigidae that is endemic to Cuba and Isla de la Juventud. It belongs to the monotypic genus Margarobyas.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The bare-legged owl is relatively small, measuring 20–23 cm (8–9 in) long, and weighing about 80 g (2.8 oz). Its name comes from its featherless green-yellow legs, similar to those of the burrowing owl. These owls have dark brown eyes, no ear tufts, a cream-colored facial disk, and brown rictal bristles. The upperparts of these birds are largely brown to slightly rufous in colour. Their wing feathers have white barring, and there are white spots on their shoulder and scapular feathers.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in March · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Ryukyu Scops OwlOtus elegansThe Ryukyu scops owl or elegant scops owl is a small rufous-brown owl with a brown face disk and a cinnamon facial ruff.
Pallid Scops OwlOtus bruceiThe pallid scops owl is a small-eared owl similar in appearance to the Eurasian scops owl but with more distinct streaks on the back and less intricate markings.
Fulvous OwlStrix fulvescensThe fulvous owl is a medium-sized owl with a round head.
Learn the Bare-legged Owl for real
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