Spectacled Owl
NameSpectacled Owl
Common NameSpectacled Owl
Scientific NamePulsatrix perspicillata
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)83.5
Length (cm)46.5
Weight (g)920
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark brown upperparts and head, with a white band across the throat and prominent white 'spectacles' around the yellow eyes. The underparts are buffy-white with dark brown barring on the flanks. Juveniles, as seen in the image, are mostly white with a dark brown or black facial mask and dark barring on the wings.
Vocalization / CallThe call is typically a series of deep, guttural hoots, often described as 'BOO-BOO-boo-boo-boo' or a rapid, accelerating series of hoots.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatstropical rainforest, subtropical forest, gallery forest, woodlands, plantations
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound from southern Mexico through Central America and Trinidad, and extensively in South America, south to northern Argentina and southern Brazil.
Identifying FeaturesProminent white 'spectacles' around yellow eyes (adults), Dark brown body with white throat band (adults), Mostly white, fluffy plumage with a dark facial mask (juveniles), Large size, Nocturnal
Description
A large, powerful owl found in Neotropical forests, known for its distinctive facial markings. Adults are dark brown with prominent white 'spectacles' around their yellow eyes, while juveniles are mostly white with a dark facial mask. They are nocturnal predators, hunting a variety of prey from insects to small mammals and birds.
