Trips

Owls of Galapagos Islands

March 24, 2012 by Renato 3 Comments

The most common owls in the world are also in the Galapagos Islands and are considered subspecies that only occur in Galapagos, so one could almost say they are endemic subspecies.

The Barn Owl subspecies is the Tyto alba punctatissima and can be found on Isabela, Santa Cruz, Fernandida, Santiago, San Cristobal, Pinta, and maybe also in Floreana. On the main Islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, and Isabela it is found near the garbage dumps where food (rodents) is plentiful. Driving at night near the dumps is a good way to find it.

Tyto alba punctatissima

The Short-eared Owl subspecies is the Asio flammeus galapagoensis and can be found on Isabela, Santa Cruz, Fernandida, , Santiago, San Cristobal, Floreana, Marchena, Española, Pinta, Santa Fe,Pinzon, Tower, and Darwin. I have only seen this bird near wide open “fields of lava” where I suspect it is easier to see their prey.

Asio flammeus galapagoensis

If you have not visited the Galapagos Islands you may want to read this report before you book a tour: Birdwatching Galapagos Islands

Written by Renato
Renato was born in Quito, Ecuador and quickly flew to the USA to learn all about engineering and climbing company ladders. After getting his engineering degree from the University of Minnesota he worked in the Standard-American-Rat-Race-Company for fifteen years. After climbing the ladder to where he could no longer see the ground, he decided to jump off the ladder and migrate south like all normal birds do. To his surprise home did not look like it did when he left as a young fledgling; the towns were bigger, most of his friends had nests of their own, and the countryside was changed. Shocked by all the change he searched for a new life and a new wife. He stumbled across a vivacious young chick who would accompany him inside a volcanic crater to set up a love nest. So, after eight years of nesting inside the crater a new love for nature and birds has sprung a career in environmental conservation and birding tours. Finally this bird has come home to roost!