Dark Hunter

The Galapagos Short-eared Owl is an endemic sub species that is darker and smaller than the owls found on the mainland. This one was photographed on Genovesa, where the owls have developed quite a unique hunting technique. They stalk the nesting holes of storm petrels and grab the unaware prey as they either enter or leave the holes. In this photo, you could see how well it blends in with the rocks in which it roosts and hunts on.