Why Spectacled Owls?
Out of all of the amazing birds found around the world, it is hard to pick a favorite species, or even a favorite family. However, I have to admit that owls hold a special place in my heart – for no particular reason I can name. It is more the feeling of immense joy whenever I am lucky enough to see one of these spectacular birds in the wild. Maybe it is their piercing eyes, their noctunral habits, or their undeniable cuteness. We chose the Spectacled Owl for our Bird in Focus because it is one of the largest owls in the Neotropics. It also boasts unique plumage – with off-white rings around its eyes – giving it the appearance of wearing glasses – thus its name! While in a small part of its range it might be mistaken for a Tawny-browed Owl, otherwise it is hard to confuse this amazing owl with any other.
Facts about Spectacled Owls
- The Spectacled Owl is the only species of the genus Pulsatrix to have yellow eyes.
- It is mainly a nocturnal hunter.
- This owl feeds on a variety of prey including tree rats, opossums, bats, agoutis, frogs, medium-sized birds and even invertebrates and crustaceans such as caterpillars, spiders, and crabs.
- The Spectacled Owl is categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN.
- Like many owls, this species doesn’t build its own nest, but lays its eggs mainly in tree cavities and hollows.
- Young owls can stay with their parents for up to a year.
Where to see Spectacled Owls
El Valle de Anton – Panama
Throughout Panama, there are chances of spotting the Spectacled Owl. Finding owls on their day-time roost is always a thrill, and one pretty reliable area to do so is El Valle de Anton, Panama. Known as El Valle for short, it is a beautiful mountain town located inside the caldera of an extinct volcano. It is located just a couple of hours from Panama City. Here, one can spend a day or several days exploring the forest trails, flower gardens, and streams. Apart from the Spectacled Owl, many other birds of second growth, Pacific-slope forest, and foothill cloud forest can be observed here.
The Tody Motmot and Orange-bellied Trogon are a few of the special species we can seek out while visiting the beautiful forests of El Valle. With luck, it can also be a great place to see the elusive Rufous-vented Ground Cuckoo. Apart from the myriad of birds found here, it can also be a fantastic location to see mammals, including Hoffman’s Three-toed Sloth.
Belize
Another great place to visit to seek out the Spectacled Owl is Belize. Home to crystal blue waters, broad-leafed and pine forests, ancient cities, and a splendid mix of cultures, Belize is a top destination for birders and nature lovers. In this small nation you can snorkel in the second largest coral reef in the world, or swim in pools beneath cascading waterfalls. You can visit the Mountain Pine Ridge – a fabulous birding destination, especially for raptors. Or visit ancient sacred cities to learn about the fascinating Mayan culture. Belize is home to over 600 bird species, and over 145 mammal species.
Visit Caracol, an ancient Mayan city. Search for Black-and-White Hawk-eagles in the Mountain Pine Ridge. Seek out the Chestnut-colored Woodpecker in Belize’s lowland forests. Enjoy finding manta rays and other amazing marine life while snorkeling or diving the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Join us as in exploration of these amazing countries, in search of Spectacled Owls and other fantastic Neotropical birds and wildlife!
References:
Holt, D. W., R. Berkley, C. Deppe, P. L. Enríquez, J. L. Petersen, J. L. Rangel Salazar, K. P. Segars, K. L. Wood, G. M. Kirwan, and J. S. Marks (2020). Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.speowl1.01
