Spectacled Owl
Image: Denice Nossett (cc-by-nc)
NameSpectacled Owl
Common NameSpectacled Owl
Scientific NamePulsatrix perspicillata
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)83.5
Length (cm)46.5
Weight (g)900
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark sooty-brown upperparts and head, with a prominent white stripe forming 'spectacles' around the yellow eyes. The throat is white, and the underparts are buffy-white with a broad dark brown breast band. Juveniles are mostly white with a dark face and dark wings.
Vocalization / CallIts primary call is a deep, guttural 'PUP-pup-pup-pup-pup-po' or 'BOO-boo-boo-boo-boo' series, often accelerating and trailing off. It also produces various hoots, growls, and screeches.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatstropical rainforest, subtropical forest, gallery forest, mangrove forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound from southern Mexico through Central America and Trinidad, south to northern Argentina and southern Brazil.
Identifying Featureslarge size, dark brown body, prominent white 'spectacles' around yellow eyes, yellow eyes, white throat, dark breast band, nocturnal
Description
A large, powerful owl of the Neotropics, characterized by its dark plumage and striking white facial markings resembling spectacles. It is a nocturnal hunter, typically found in dense tropical and subtropical forests, preying on a variety of small animals.
