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nature
Pulsatrix perspicillata
Calgary Zoo
Bird of Prey
Calgary
Owl
Alberta
Canada
ornithology
tropical
bird
wildlife
Spectacled Owl


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I think I am a Spectacled Owl

I think I am a Spectacled Owl
This Owl was perched inside the Nocturnal House at the Calgary Zoo when I was there yesterday. I was up till around 3:30 a.m. this morning, trying to identify it, but in the end had to give up. Perhaps it is a juvenile of a species. The shape of the white markings around the eyes makes me think of a Hawk Owl of some kind. I would be thrilled to bits if someone can tell me what this gal/guy is!

Added later on 9th July: I think I have found out what this owl is - a Spectacled Owl!

"The Spectacled Owl, Pulsatrix perspicillata, is a large tropical owl. It is a resident breeder from southern Mexico and Trinidad south to southern Brazil, Paraguay and northwestern Argentina. There are six subspecies.

This is nocturnal species of mature forests. It nests in an unlined tree cavity, laying two white eggs. It preys on mammals and large insects, and will also take birds, including smaller owls.

The Spectacled Owl is 46 cm long and weighs 850 g. It is unmistakable with brown upperparts, head and upper breast, white facial markings and buff underparts. The eyes are yellow and the bill is pale. The juvenile is even more distinctive than the adult, being completely white apart from a chocolate brown facial disc.

The call is a deep hooting BOO Boo boo boo boo becoming softer and faster."
From Wikipedia website.

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