Galápagos Owl, Genovesa Island

On the island of Genovesa in the Galápagos, the short-eared owl is the apex predator, replacing the Galápagos hawk. They are diurnal and can be found on cliff tops and cave entrances, ambushing storm petrels.

Daytime hunting is a behavioral adaptation that allows this species to thrive, but, as pictured, squinting is necessary.

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