Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix Perspicillata)

Conservation Status: Least Concern
Distribution: Widespread across central and South America (from southern Mexico, down to northern Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil)
Habitat: Tropical rainforests, woodlands, forests and semi-open areas
Diet: Small mammals, insects (this can be up to 90% of their diet in some areas), reptiles, amphibians, birds and even some larger mammals (like skunks and small monkeys)
Size (head to tail): 41-52cm (16-21 in)
Weight: 450-1.2kg (1.0-2.75lbs)
Activity Cycle: Nocturnal
Threats: Traffic accidents and becoming trapped in barb-wired fences

The Spectacled Owl is a large, nocturnal owl that is often heard but seldom seen, with its distinctive hooting call being a hallmark of the neotropical night. It gets its name because of the buffy-white "eye brows" and other white markings on its face that, when combined, make it look like it is wearing glasses! There are thought to be about six distinct subspecies of Spectacled owl. The diet for this neotropical owl species is varied and unusual; some more interesting prey that they like to eat include opossums, bats, reptiles (like iguanas), skunks and small monkeys. There has even been one recorded instance of a female having caught and eaten a three-toed sloth! They are capable of catching insects on the wing - meaning they can pluck insects off of leaves as they fly through the forest. They are a vocal species, communicating with a series of screeches and calls with a guttural knocking or tapping sounds with a popping effect, which can be likened to the sound of 'hammer knocking on wood'.

Did you Know? Although spectacled owls grow and mature at the same rate as most owl species (left the nest and able to fly by 16 weeks), they stay dependent on their parents for much longer, normally up to a year old! And, even more unusually, they often don't grow in their adult plumage until they are at least a year old, sometimes it can take them up to 5 years to grow in their adult plumage.

Our Spectacled Owl is called Optic!

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