Spectacled Owl Facts

This owl is probably one of the most striking in the world. The Spectacled Owl is large and boldly patterned, and acquired its name from the broad, broken circles of white around its yellow eyes.

The juvenile, or “white owl” has the adult markings in negative with a white head and body and a black mask.

The chick, usually the only one who survives, will be out of the nest and demanding to be fed long before it can fly. Nests are in tree holes in which two large, white eggs are laid. The fledgling may depend on its parents for up to a year, possibly longer, and seems to take several years to attain its full adult plumage, unlike all other wood owls.

Despite their large size Spectacled Owls feed chiefly on small prey. They take small mammals, insects, numerous caterpillars and crabs although at times they will tackle skunks, opossums and birds up to the size of a Jay. When hunting the Spectacled owl perches on a branch as it scans the surroundings and drops to strike with a swift, agile pounce. Insects are snatched from the foliage.

This owl hunts, as do the majority of owls, simply by sitting still!