Spectacled Owl

The Spectacled Owl is a striking bird of prey, easily recognized by its distinctive facial markings. Named for the white feathered "spectacles" around its dark brown eyes, this owl also features a black face and upper breast, contrasting with its whitish to yellowish-brown body and underparts. It has a large, rounded head without ear tufts, and powerful talons adapted for hunting.

Native to the dense tropical forests of Central and South America, the Spectacled Owl is typically found from Mexico down to southern Brazil and northern Argentina. It prefers the canopy layer of lowland forests, thriving in both primary and mature secondary forests. The species is often spotted in plantations and wooded urban areas as well.

As a nocturnal predator, the Spectacled Owl hunts primarily at night, feeding on a wide variety of prey including small mammals like rodents, as well as birds, insects, and occasionally reptiles and amphibians. The owl has a low, raspy call, and a series of knocking or tapping sounds that can be heard at dusk and dawn.

Breeding involves nesting in tree cavities or on abandoned platforms, with the female typically laying two eggs. Both parents share in the care of the chicks, which enhances the survival rates of the offspring in their secluded forest habitats.