The Spectacled Owl is a large, powerful owl native to tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Its striking white 'spectacles' around its dark eyes give it its common name.
Where to spot
Lowland tropical rainforests from southern Mexico south through Central America to northern Argentina, often near water bodies.
How to spot
Listen for its deep, knocking or hooting calls, often sounding like 'BOO-boo-boo'. Look for it perched on prominent branches in the forest interior or along forest edges using a spotlight.
When to spot
Nocturnal. Most active from dusk to dawn, typically perching conspicuously in the forest interior.
Where to spot
Lowland tropical rainforests from southern Mexico south through Central America to northern Argentina, often near water bodies.
How to spot
Listen for its deep, knocking or hooting calls, often sounding like 'BOO-boo-boo'. Look for it perched on prominent branches in the forest interior or along forest edges using a spotlight.
When to spot
Nocturnal. Most active from dusk to dawn, typically perching conspicuously in the forest interior.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Juvenile Spectacled Owls have a dramatically different plumage than adults, appearing entirely white with a dark face mask, which historically led early ornithologists to mistakenly classify them as a different species.
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