galapagos short-eared owl.

Photo of the Day: A Regal Looking Galapagos Short-Eared Owl

About Galapagos

galapagos short-eared owl.
Galapagos Short-eared Owl by Wildlife Travel is licensed by CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

While the Galapagos Islands are famous for their diverse and abundant birdlife, opens in new tab, many people don’t associate the archipelago with owls. In fact, there are two endemic subspecies of owls endemic to the islands, the Galapagos barn owl (Tyto alba punctatissima) and the Galapagos short-eared owl (Asio flammeus galapagoensis). The latter, pictured above, can be found on Isabela, Santa Cruz, Fernandida, , Santiago, San Cristobal, Floreana, Marchena, Española, Pinta, Santa Fe,Pinzon, Tower, and Darwin. They are sometimes seen near wide, open lava fields searching for prey, which includes a variety of small birds such as petrels. Short-eared owls are among the few owls that hunt in broad daylight. They are proficient predators and impressive flyers. Males perform dramatic aerial displays, accompanied by wing clapping, to impress potential mates. Males sometimes offer females food to win them over. Classy move!

Tagged

More from Galapagos Islands

All Galapagos Islands stories

  • Galapagos Islands

    Tune In: A Galapagos Binge

    Sep 7, 2026 · Jennie Lay

    The Galapagos Islands might be the single best love-at-first-sight solution for what I call “complacent nature deficit disorder.” These are islands of instant gratification, where you’re almost guaranteed to encounter the cerulean foot of a blue-footed booby, the Godzilla-like gaze of a marine iguana and the lumbering girth of a giant tortoise.

  • Galapagos Islands

    A Wild Day in the Galapagos: Whales, Sharks & an Erupting Volcano

    Sep 6, 2026 · WWF

    First, whales. One morning in September, we woke up earlier than usual. We had been navigating overnight toward Bartolome Island, and our guides, Roberto and Giancarlo, had prepared us for possible whale sightings on the final leg of our voyage. We bundled up and stood on the top deck, hot cups of coffee in hand.

  • Galapagos Islands

    Blue-Footed Boobies in the Galapagos: 8 Fascinating Facts

    Jun 6, 2026 · Julie Waggoner

    The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the world’s most recognizable wildlife, and few species attract more attention than the blue-footed booby. Known for their turquoise-blue feet, comic-looking courtship displays and remarkable diving skills, these seabirds are a highlight of many Galapagos wildlife adventures.