The Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata)-- was named because of its facial markings that look like a pair of spectacles. These birds are dark brown with a whitish yellow belly and a dark brown collar with a white throat patch.

Spectacled owls are large (18 inches tall and weighing about 25 ounces). They generally choose to live near water and are found in woodlands and tropical rainforests. They, like most owls, are nocturnal but can be active on overcast days. Their range is from Mexico to northern Argentina.

Like many owls the Spectacled owl chooses a tree hollow to place its nest. One to two white eggs are laid. The offspring will fledge in about one year. Many times if both chicks hatch, only one will survive.

These owls feed on a variety of creatures, including small mammals such as mice, insects, birds, bats, crabs and frogs. They can live up to 25 years of age.

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Family: Strigidae | Genus/Species: Pulsatrix perspicillata