Bare-legged Owl

The bare-legged owl is relatively small, measuring 20-23 cm (8-9 inches) long, and weighing about 80 grams (2.8 ounces). Its name comes from its featherless green-yellow legs, similar to those of the burrowing owl. These owls have dark brown eyes, no ear tufts, a cream-colored facial disk, and brown rictal bristles. The upperparts of these birds are largely brown to slightly rufous in colour. Their wing feathers have white barring, and there are white spots on their shoulder and scapular feathers. The underparts are gray- to yellow-white, with some brown streaking and occasionally even cross-barring on the sides and breast. Juvenile bare-legged owls have similar plumage colors to adults, but have fewer white spots.