Spectacled+Owl

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//Pulsatrix perspicillata // Order: Strigifomes =**__Husbandry Information__**=

Diet Requirements

 * In the wild, spectacled owls eat small mammals, including mice, bats, and the occasional possum or skunk, insects, spiders, caterpillars, crabs, frogs, and birds up to the size of jays.
 * In captivity, they are fed chicks, mice, quail, and beef.

Notes on Enrichment & Training


=__Programmatic Information__=

Potential Messaging


=__Acquisition Information__=

=__Comments from the Rating System__=
 * Philadelphia Zoo: Our rating is based on only one individual, but it has been a VERY good experience. He was socialized when young. He is very popular with visitors.

=__Natural History Information__=

Range and Habitat
Spectacled owls live from southern Mexico to northwest Argentina. They occur more frequently in dense tropical rainforest with mature, large trees. They are also found in dry forest, forest edges, treed savanna habitat, plantations, and open areas with scattered trees.

Physical Description
Adults are dark brown with a whitish to yellow-ochre belly, a white patch on the front of the neck, and a dark brown belt across the breast. White "spectacles" around their yellow eyes give them their common name. Juveniles are even more distinctive-looking than adults, with a white body and dark brown facial disk. It may take several years from hatching to attain full adult plumage. Average size for this species is 17 to 18 inches in length. Males weigh 16 to 24 ounces, and females weigh 24 to 32 ounces.

Life Cycle
Mating pairs are monogamous. Spectactled owls nest in tree hollows. 1 to 2 eggs are laid in the dry season or at the start of the wet season. The female will incubate the eggs for about 5 weeks. Chicks leave the nest for the surrounding branches at about 5 to 6 weeks of age, well before they can fly. Once fledged, juveniles continue to depend on their parents for up to a year. Often, only one chick per clutch will survive. Spectacled owls reach sexual maturity at 3 to 5 years of age. They can live for 25 to 30 years.

Behavior
Vocalizations include a deep, descending series of knocking notes, becoming faster and weaker towards the end ("Pup-pup-pup-pup-po") and a hawk-like scream (made by females only) that has been compared to a steam whistle ("ker-WHEER.") They are most vocal on calm, moonlit nights. When hunting, they use a branch to perch and scan the surrounding area. When prey is located, they drop with a swift pounce. Insects are snatched from foliage. Birds are solitary and generally nocturnal.

Threats and Conservation Status
This species is very elusive in the wild, so not many predators are known. There is some evidence that larger bird species may prey on spectacled owls. Spectacled owls are not globally threatened, and may be quite common locally. Extensive deforestation may be effecting this species in some areas. It is listed under Appendix II by CITES (may become threatened if trade is not regulated.)

Prejudices against birds of prey still persist among many who wrongly believe that they harm wildlife or present major threats to domestic animals. Biological studies have documented their ecological importance as major controls on rodent populations. Some birds of prey feed on snakes, insects or other potential pests. No species of raptor poses a significant threat to domestic animals.

Instruct guests to never litter, especially when they are in a car. Throwing trash out along the roads not only makes the roads less attractive, but can also attract animals to the sides of the road. Some of these animals might look appetizing to an owl, hawk, or other predator which are then more likely to be hit by passing vehicles. =__Did you know…__=
 * Like other owl species, spectacled owls can turn their owls can turn their heads almost 270 degrees. This movement is an adaptation because owls' eyes cannot move in their sockets like other animals.
 * When they turn their heads this far, a system in their neck arteries prevents the arteries from being pinched off and cutting off blood supply to the brain.
 * Owls' eyes are supported by a ring of 12 tiny bones.
 * Their ears are offset, with one positioned slightly higher on the head to allow for sound triangulation to locate prey.
 * The feathers on the head form a "facial disc" which directs sound towards the ears.
 * The feathers on the body are coated with a soft fluff, and the edges of the flight feathers are serrated, which creates silent flight.

=__Photographs__=

=__Contributors and Citations__=
 * The Philadelphia Zoo
 * San Diego Zoo