Spectacled Owl
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Fiorellino" title="User:Fiorellino">Olaf Oliviero Riemer</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameSpectacled Owl
Common NameSpectacled Owl
Scientific NamePulsatrix perspicillata
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)83.5
Length (cm)49.5
Weight (g)900
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark brown upperparts, head, and a broad dark brown band across the upper chest. The face is dark brown with prominent white 'spectacles' around the bright yellow eyes. The underparts are pale buff to creamy white, and the beak is yellow.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a distinctive series of rapid, guttural hoots, often described as 'PUP-pup-pup-pup-pup-po' or 'BOO-boo-boo-boo-boo', sometimes accelerating into a trill.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatstropical rainforest, subtropical forest, gallery forest, woodlands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in humid lowland forests from southern Mexico through Central America and Trinidad, extending into South America as far south as northern Argentina.
Identifying Featureswhite markings around bright yellow eyes (resembling spectacles), dark brown upperparts and chest band, pale buff to creamy white underparts, yellow beak
Description
The Spectacled Owl is a large, powerful owl characterized by its dark brown plumage and striking white markings around its bright yellow eyes, which resemble spectacles. This nocturnal predator inhabits Neotropical forests, where it hunts a variety of prey.
