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Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata)
Range
Mexico, Central America, and the Northern two-thirds of South America.
Found in humid tropical rainforest, second growth woodland, savanna, and
mangrove habitats. They prefer to live near water.
Size
Length: 43 - 46 cm (17 - 18 in.)
Wingspan: 2.5 - 3 ft.
Weight: Male 450 - 680 g ; Female 680 - 980 g
Diet
Small mammals, insects, caterpillars, frogs, and crabs. Occasionally
skunks, opossums, bats, and birds up to the size of Jays.
Description
They have a big, round head and no ear tufts. The mature adult is a
striking blackish brown color above and yellow cream below. They have a
yellow cream belly, a white patch on the front of the neck, and a dark
brown belt across the breast. There are white crescents on a black face
and bright yellow eyes. The white "spectacles" around their eyes give
them their name. The immature bird has the adult markings in reverse. It
has white plumage with a black mask and brown wings, and it may take
several years from hatching to attain full adult plumage.
Natural History
Because of their elusive behavior, little is known. We do know that they
live in tropical rainforests as well as drier woods with scattered
trees. They are usually nocturnal, but can be active on dull days. Their
call has been compared to the prolonged, rapid tapping of a woodpecker
with each successive note being lower and weaker, and the rythm quicker
as the series progresses. They are known in Brazil as 'knocking owls".
The female also has a hawk-like scream, which has been compared to a
steam whistle. When hunting, they use a branch to perch on and scan the
surrounding area. When prey is located, they drop with a swift pounce.
Insects are taken from foliage. In Costa Rica, eggs are laid in the dry
season, or at the start of the wet season. Nests are made in tree
hollows. They lay 1 - 2 eggs in a clutch but, usually, only 1 survives.
The chicks leave the nest for surrounding branches well before they can
fly, but depend on their parents for up to one year. The young may take
up to five years to attain their full adult plumage.
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