Spectacled Owl
Image: josomo (cc-by-nc)
NameSpectacled Owl
Common NameSpectacled Owl
Scientific NamePulsatrix perspicillata
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)83.5
Length (cm)47.5
Weight (g)900
Plumage DetailsAdults have a dark sooty-brown to blackish back, head, and upper breast. The belly and undertail coverts are buff to tawny-orange. A prominent white or pale yellow band encircles the eyes, extending to the bill, creating the 'spectacled' appearance. The eyes are yellow, and the beak is pale yellow.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a deep, guttural series of hoots, often described as 'BOO-BOO-BOO-BOO-BOO' or 'PUP-pup-pup-pup-pup', which can accelerate towards the end. It also produces various growls and barks.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatstropical rainforest, evergreen forest, gallery forest, woodland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in humid tropical and subtropical forests from southern Mexico through Central America and Trinidad, south to northern Argentina and southern Brazil.
Identifying Featuresdark brown to blackish upperparts, buff to tawny-orange underparts, prominent white or pale yellow facial markings resembling spectacles, yellow eyes, yellow beak, large size
Description
The Spectacled Owl is a large, powerful owl of the Neotropics, easily recognized by its distinctive white facial markings that resemble spectacles. It is a nocturnal predator, primarily hunting small mammals and birds in dense forest environments.
