Field Guide to Wildlife of the Galapagos Islands Page Author: Ms. Lathrop

Species common name(s): Short-eared Owl, Lechuza de Campo

Scientific Name: Asio flammeus galapagoensi

Range: Found throughout the Galapagos Islands, except Fernandina.

Habitat: This bird nests in the highlands of the Galapagos islands away from the shore. Builds its nest on open ground.

Physical Description: Dark brown with lighter brown spots. Bright yellow eyes surrounded by a dark disk of feathers. Very short ear tuffs on the top of the head. Between 30 and 40 cm long with a wingspan ranging from 90-105 cm.

Main foods: Feeds on small birds, especially storm petrels. Also hunts mice and introduced rats. Also eats some larger insects.

Behavior: Sometimes will ambush petrels by entering their dens and waiting for them. Most active at dusk and dawn. Sweeps over the ground as it searches for prey with slow wing beats. Breeds from November to May. Lays 3 - 4 eggs at a time, usually only 2 chicks survive to leave the nest.

Niche: Helps control rodent populations and prevents colonies of petrels from becoming over populated.

Interactions with other species: In areas where the Galapagos hawk lives this bird hunts at night to avoid competition.

Threats to the species: Theses birds are protected and have no natural predators, however like many top level predators these birds are susceptible to pollution that can be concentrated in the food chain.

Source: http://www.v-liz.com/galapagos/g_birds.htm

Birds, Mammal, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands. An Identification Guide. Swash and Still

Wildlife of the Galapagos. J. Fitter, D. Fitter & D Hosking.

Identifying features (physical description) including size Habitat

Habits Favorite Foods

Niche- Roll in ecosystem Picture of the species

Range Map Threats to Species?

Interactions with other species Sources of Information

Incomplete / Developing / Accomplished / Exemplary
Neatness and effort / Work sloppy, little effort given / Work not neat, Moderate effort given / Work neat, and complete, moderate effort given / Polished work, high degree of effort clear
Timeliness / Work handed in a week or more late. / Work Handed in 2-4 days late / Work handed in one day late / Work handed in on-time or early
Completeness / Missing more then 4 components requested by teacher. / Missing 3-4 of the components requested by teacher / Work missing 1-2 of the components requested by teacher / Includes all of the information or components requested by the teacher
Use of time for class work / Needs frequent reminders to stay on task, work not completed on time / Needs few reminders to stay on task, completes project on time / Completes work on time without reminders / Competes work on time, stays on task and helps others when finished.

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