Spectacled Owl

Spectacled Owls (Pulsatrix perspicillata) gain their name from the white “spectacles” around their bright yellow eyes. They have dark brown plumage on their upper parts and off-white or light yellow plumage on their breast. Spectacled Owls are 43 to 46 cm long and weigh between 453g and 906g. Their wingspans are from 76 to 91 cm.

Habitat: Living in Southern Mexico through Argentina, Spectacled Owls live near water in rainforests and woodlands from sea level to 1600m. Spectacled Owls live in dense tropical rainforest with mature, large trees, including forest edges. Also found in dry forest, treed savannah habitat, plantations and open areas with scattered trees.

Population: Spectacled Owls could become severely threatened if rainforests and other forested areas in South America continue to be cut down for agriculture and lumber industries.

Lifespan: With very few predators, this species can live up to 35 years in the wild.


Behaviour: Spectacled Owls are generally nocturnal, with activity normally beginning after dusk and continuing to dawn but have been known to hunt during the day on some occasions. They are not known to be migratory. Being an unsociable bird they will roost singly by day in trees with dense foliage. Spectacled Owls are most vocal on calm, moonlit nights.