ML628398411

Observation details

Continuing here. A medium sized owl, about 2/3 the size of Common Ravens. First flushed from low on the ground about 15 minutes before sunset, then a couple of times as it was harassed by some ravens, and eventually flew high overhead as it headed to its hunting grounds. Long-winged and deep floppy wing beats unlike the stiffer wingbeats of Burrowing Owls (perhaps the other somewhat expected species in this habitat). Plumage wise, this bird was a streaky dark brown above, and rufous below with streaking around the head, neck and breast becoming less distinct over the belly. The underwings had dark commas at the wrist. The upper wing had rufous and dark barring on the primaries. There was no orange in the facial disc.