Madagascar Owl

Scientific classification
Kingdom Information
Domain |  Eukaryota
Kingdom |  Animalia
Subkingdom |  Bilateria
Branch |  Deuterostomia
Phylum Information
Phylum |  Chordata
Sub-phylum |  Vertebrata
Infraphylum |  Gnathostomata
Class Information
Superclass |  Tetrapoda
Class |  Aves
Sub-class |  Neornithes
Infra-class |  Neoaves
Order Information
Order |  Strigiformes
Family Information
Family |  Strigidae
Sub-family |  Striginae
Genus Information
Genus |  Asio
Species Information
Species |  A. madagascariensis
Population statistics
Conservation status | Least concern[1]

The Madagascar owl (Asio madagascariensis) is a species of owl of the family Strigidae, and found on the island of Madagascar.

## Description[edit]

The Madagascar owl has a body length of 14.1 to 19.6 inches, making it the largest owl species on the island. Females are larger than males. It has striking ear tufts, which are further apart from each other than is the case with other owls. The facial disk is predominantly light brown, with the area around the eyes blackish-brown. The plumage on the upper body is dark brown with individual red-brown to ocher spots and streaks. The underside of the body is light brown with conspicuous dark longitudinal strips and a few transverse strips. The beak and toes are blackish.

The Madagascar Owl is active at dawn as well as night. During the daytime it rests well-hidden within in the dense foliage of trees. Diet consists mainly of small vertebrate animals, with mammals predominant, taking rodents, small lemurs and bats; small birds, reptiles, and insects are also part of the diet.

Reproductive biology has not yet been sufficiently researched. All recorded egg clutches were found in the abandoned nests of other large bird species. Egg laying takes place between August and October.

## Habitat[edit]

The Madagascar owl inhabits evergreen rainforests, dry deciduous forested areas, and secondary forests. Their elevation ranges from sea level up to an altitude of 5,900 feet.

## References[edit]

1. ↑ http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22689517/0