Búho de Anteojos
Spectacled Owl
Pulsatrix perspicillata
Song
Spectacled Owl
Appearance: The Spectacled Owl has a distinctive appearance characterized by its large size, with adults typically measuring about 48 to 60 cm in length. It has a striking facial mask with prominent white “spectacles” (or eye rings) around its bright yellow eyes. The plumage is generally dark brown to blackish, with lighter cross-bar markings on the breast and pale buff or white feathers on the belly. Their wings are rounded, and they possess a relatively short, broad tail.
Habitat: This owl primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, especially along rivers and in mature woodlands. They are commonly found in lowland rainforests, but can also be seen in second-growth forest and sometimes in adjacent agricultural areas. The species prefers areas with dense canopies, where they can easily hunt and roost.
Behavior: Spectacled Owls are nocturnal hunters, primarily active at night (crepuscular) and relatively solitary. They feed on a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They often hunt from a perch, swooping down to capture their prey. Their call is a distinctive deep hooting sound, often a two-note call, that can be heard at night.
Breeding: Breeding typically occurs between March and May, but it can vary depending on the local conditions. They nest in tree cavities or abandoned nests of other birds, where the female lays usually 1 to 3 eggs. Both parents participate in caring for the young, with the female incubating the eggs for about 30 days.
Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Spectacled Owl is classified as "Least Concern".
Distribution
Amazon Region: The Spectacled Owl is common in the Amazon rainforest, where dense tree coverage provides ideal hunting and nesting sites. This region includes parts of the departments of Amazonas, Caquetá, Guaviare, and Guainía.
Andean Region: This owl can also be found in the Andean foothills (particularly in the western and central Andes). It inhabits areas in departments such as Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindío. The altitudinal range typically varies from 1,000 to 2,200 meters above sea level.
Caribbean Region: In the Caribbean region, its presence is more localized but can be found in forested areas, including parts of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and northern Antioquia.
Pacific Region The Spectacled Owl is present in the Pacific lowlands, predominantly in Chocó, where moist tropical forests are abundant.
Orinoco Region: The owl also appears in eastern Colombia, especially in the Vaupés and Arauca departments, where humid forests are suitable for their habitat.
Taxonomy
The Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Strigiformes
- Family: Strigidae
- Genus: Pulsatrix
- Species: Pulsatrix perspicillata
Vocalization
Typical Calls: The Spectacled Owl is known for its deep, resonant hooting calls. The calls are often described as a two-note sequence, typically rendered as "Hoo-hoo" or "Hoo, Hoo."
- These calls can vary in pitch and rhythm, often repeated several times in succession, which can be heard from a considerable distance, especially in quiet forest environments.
Mating Calls: Used during the breeding season to attract mates. - **Territorial Calls:** Establishing and defending their territory by signaling presence to other owls. - Communication: Facilitating communication between mated pairs or between a parent and its young.
