Pulsatrix – Spectacled owls

Best known for its famous member the spectacled owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata), includes a small group of large, tropical owls found mainly in Central and South America. They live in dense rainforests, woodland edges, and sometimes plantations, and are known for their mysterious presence, deep calls, and powerful hunting abilities.

The most famous species, the spectacled owl, is a large and heavy-bodied owl. It has a dark brown head and back, contrasting with a pale, creamy or buff-colored chest and belly. The most striking feature is the white facial markings around its eyes, which resemble a pair of spectacles. Its eyes are bright yellow, giving it an intense, almost piercing stare. Juvenile spectacled owls look very different — they are almost entirely white with a dark facial mask, making them easy to distinguish from adults.

Pulsatrix owls are mostly nocturnal, meaning they are active at night, although they can sometimes be heard calling at dusk or before sunrise. Their diet is broad and impressive — they prey on small mammals, birds, insects, frogs, and reptiles. Thanks to their strong talons and silent flight, they are effective ambush hunters, striking swiftly from a hidden perch. They prefer sitting quietly for long periods and then dropping onto their prey with sudden speed.

The spectacled owl’s call is a deep, rhythmic “BOO boo-boo-boo-boo” sound, which can travel long distances through the dense forest. It’s often mistaken for the call of a much larger animal because of its deep, booming quality. Males and females may duet, with slightly different pitches, creating a spooky and beautiful soundscape in tropical nights.