The Margay is a small-sized (3.3 kg) solitary felid, with an average litter size of 1.09 (1–2). Activity pattern is predominately nocturno-crepuscular, with very few records of day time activity.
The coat is soft and full. Hair length ranges from 13 to 27 mm on the back and from 7 to 18 mm on the nape. There is individual variation in coat pattern. Upper parts vary from pale buff-grayish to an intensely richochreous-tawny and dark brownish-ochreouscolor, paling toward the lower part of the sides. Also, there is variation in the spot pattern, from narrow streaky spots to irregular large rounded rosettes with black or dark brown rims and centers darker than the ground color.
Prey base consists mostly of terrestrial and scansorial small mammals, but lizards and especially birds can comprise important items at some sites. Larger medium-sized mammals, like squirrels, rabbits, agoutis, and small monkeys are also taken, but to a lesser extent.
Margays are capable of hunting prey in the trees and possess morphological adaptations associated with this foraging strategy, such as their distinctive long tail and hind foot that can both pronate and supinate, allowing them to climb down trees head first.
Margays (Leopardus wiedii)
