Spectacled Owl - Five Sisters Zoo

The largest of the tropical owls, the Spectacled Owl is named for the striking white or cream ring around its eyes, surrounded by darker feathers. The chest and below the head is also white, with dark brown and black feathers covering the wings. In fledgling and juvenile owls, the colour pattern is reversed with a dark ring around the eyes and white feathers covering the head and body.  They are a nocturnal species of owl, roosting in trees and hollows during the day and coming out to hunt at night.

Facts

Diet: Carnivore; small mammals including bats, birds, reptiles, and some invertebrates

Weight: 720-950g

Length: 40-55cm

Wingspan: 125-167cm

Habitat: Central American and northern South America; tropical and dry forest with some vegetation and trees, preferring to live near water.

Lifespan: up to 25 years under human care, unknown in the wild

Adapted to Survive

  • Owls can adjust the pupil in their eye to limit the amount of light coming in, protecting their retina.
  • While not 360* rotation, owls can rotate their head nearly 270* to scan for prey and monitor their territory

Threats

  • Habitat loss and deforestation

IUCN Conservation Status

Least Concern

< Back to list

© Copyright 2024 Five sisters Zoo