Spectacled Owl
NameSpectacled Owl
Common NameSpectacled Owl
Scientific NamePulsatrix perspicillata
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)83.5
Length (cm)46.5
Weight (g)900
Plumage DetailsAdults have a dark sooty-brown back and head, with prominent white 'spectacles' around their yellow eyes. The throat is white, and the chest is dark brown, often with a paler, buffy-brown belly that can be streaked or barred. Juveniles are mostly white with a dark facial mask.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a deep, guttural series of hoots, often described as 'BOO-BOO-BOO-bo-bo-bo' or a rapid, accelerating series of barks. They also produce various growls and hisses.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatstropical rainforest, subtropical rainforest, dense woodland, gallery forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Central and South America, ranging from southern Mexico through Central America, and south through much of tropical South America to northern Argentina.
Identifying Featuresprominent white 'spectacles' around yellow eyes, large size, dark brown body plumage, white throat, nocturnal habits
Description
The Spectacled Owl is a large, powerful owl of tropical forests, easily recognized by its distinctive white facial markings resembling spectacles. This nocturnal predator primarily hunts from a perch, preying on a variety of small to medium-sized animals.
