Spectacled Owl
Image: Tim Miller (cc-by-nc)
NameSpectacled Owl
Common NameSpectacled Owl
Scientific NamePulsatrix perspicillata
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)84
Length (cm)49.5
Weight (g)835
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark brown to blackish upperparts, a white throat, and a distinctive white band around the eyes that gives them their 'spectacled' appearance. The underparts are pale buff to white, often with dark barring on the flanks, and the chest features a broad, buffy band.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a deep, guttural hooting series, often described as 'PUP-pup-pup-pup-pup-po' or 'BOO-boo-boo-boo-boo', which can be quite resonant and carries well through the forest.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatstropical rainforest, dense woodland, gallery forest, forest edge, plantations
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound from southern Mexico, through Central America, and extensively across South America, reaching as far south as northern Argentina and southern Brazil.
Identifying Featuresbright yellow eyes, white facial markings resembling spectacles, dark brown to blackish head and back, pale buffy chest band, barred flanks
Description
The Spectacled Owl is a large, powerful owl found in the Neotropics, characterized by its striking facial markings. It is a nocturnal predator, typically found perched silently in dense forest canopy, hunting a variety of prey.
