ExploreBirds

Spectacled Owl

Pulsatrix perspicillata

The Spectacled Owl is a beautiful bird with big, round eyes and a special mask-like face. They are great at hunting at night and love to stay in the trees of the forest.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Spectacled Owl has a striking dark brown body and a creamy white belly. Its bright yellow eyes are ringed by distinctive white markings, giving the appearance of wearing spectacles. Young owls are uniquely white and fluffy with a dark facial mask.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderStrigiformesFamilyStrigidaeGenusPulsatrix
Spectacled Owl
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Spectacled Owl

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby Spectacled Owls are fluffy white with a dark face, looking very different from adults!

Spectacled Owls can make a strange 'knocking' sound, perhaps with their beak, to communicate.

These powerful owls have been known to hunt and carry off prey larger than themselves!

They sometimes roost and nest in the same special tree for many years in a row.

Special abilities

Ability

Silent Hunter

Spectacled Owl has specialized soft feathers that help them fly almost silently, allowing them to surprise prey in the dark.

Ability

Head Twister

Spectacled Owl can turn its head nearly 270 degrees in each direction, helping it spot prey all around without moving its body.

Ability

Night Vision

Spectacled Owl can see exceptionally well in very low light because of their large eyes, helping them hunt effectively after dark.

Measurements & details

Length
43-52 cm
Wingspan
76-91 cm
Weight
0.6-1.2 kg
Lifespan
15-20 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
1-2
Incubation
29-35 days

Diet & Feeding

A skilled night hunter, this powerful owl preys on various animals from insects to small mammals.

Age differences: Young owls are fed insects and small prey by their parents, gradually learning to hunt larger animals.

Primary Foods

  • Rodents
  • Large Insects
  • Bats
  • Small Birds
  • Frogs
  • Small Sloths

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always watch owls from a distance and never try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Spectacled Owl?

43-52 cm

What is Spectacled Owl's wingspan?

76-91 cm

How much does Spectacled Owl weigh?

0.6-1.2 kg

How long does Spectacled Owl live?

15-20 years

How fast can Spectacled Owl move?

60 km/h

What does Spectacled Owl eat?

A skilled night hunter, this powerful owl preys on various animals from insects to small mammals.

Where is Spectacled Owl usually found?

Forests

How does Spectacled Owl hunt?

Ambush

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Where to spot

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