Pulsatrix

Pulsatrix
Scientific classification
Kingdom Information
Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Animalia
Subkingdom	Bilateria
Branch	Deuterostomia
Phylum Information
Phylum	Chordata
Sub-phylum	Vertebrata
Infraphylum	Gnathostomata
Class Information
Superclass	Tetrapoda
Class	Aves
Sub-class	Neornithes
Infra-class	Neoaves
Order Information
Order	Strigiformes
Family Information
Family	Strigidae
Sub-family	Striginae
Genus Information
Genus	Pulsatrix
Population statistics

Pulsatrix is a genus of owls of the family Strigidae, and found in tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. They are colloquially referred to as spectacled owls due to the pattern of the facial feathers, giving the birds the appearance of wearing glasses.

Description

Spectacled owls are relatively large owls, with a length of 16 to 20 inches. The head is roundish, and the three species have whitish to ocher-colored rings on the face, the distinctive "eye glasses" look. The eyes are large and vary from orange yellow to black brown. The claws are strong. The throat and the front part are separated from the rest of the body by a band which is different in color.

Species

• Band-bellied owl, Pulsatrix melanota
• Spectacled owl, Pulsatrix perspicillata
• Tawny-browed owl, Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana

References

• König, Claus, and Weick, Friedhelm. Owls of the World; Christopher Helm, London (2008)