Habitat: Rain forests of Central and South America
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Flights of Wonder
The Spectacled owl is a medium sized owl with very distinctive markings. Its plumage is a dark brown. However, its name derives from the white feathers that circle its eyes forming "spectacles." This bird is widespread being found from southern Mexico, through Central America all the way to the heart of the amazon. Mostly found in tropical forests, it will occasionally be found in secondary forests.
The bird also has distinctive sounds. Its main call sounds like the tapping on wood of a woodpecker. In fact, the bird's name in Brazil translates to knocking owl. Female birds also use a hawk-like scream. It is typically the largest owl in its habitat although the larger Great Horned owl will rarely be found in the northern portion of its range.
Like almost all owls, it hunts mostly at night although it starts hunting at dusk. Rodents make up a large portion of its diet although larger mammals like skunks and opossums will be taken by adult birds. Smaller prey like crabs, caterpillars, and spiders are eaten, as well.
Nests are built into tree hollows. The chicks hatches after 5 weeks of incubation. Two eggs are usually laid. The birds leave the nests as soon as they are strong enough to sit on the branches of the tree well before being able to fly. However, they will be dependent on their parents for up to a year.
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