








About the Madagascar Owl
The Madagascar owl, also known as the Madagascan owl or Madagascar long-eared owl, is a medium-sized owl endemic to the island of Madagascar. It is sometimes considered to be conspecific with the long-eared owl.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The Madagascar owl is similar in appearance to the Holarctic long-eared owl in that it sits tall and at rest shows prominent ear tufts. The plumage is mainly brown with darker streaks and bars. It has distinctive bright orange eyes. The adults are brown above, and mottled with buff, especially across the mantle. The face is plain dark buff, with darker brown feathers around the eyes, on the edge of the facial disc, and on the ear tufts. The underparts are light brown with darker brown streaks which fade away towards the vent.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in November · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Abyssinian OwlAsio abyssinicusThe Abyssinian owl has dark brown eyes, a black bill and gray eyebrows.
Marsh OwlAsio capensisMedium-sized, dark brown with a pumpkin-shaped head with small 'ear' tufts.
Learn the Madagascar Owl for real
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