Fact Files

Spectacled Owl – Striking Black, Yellow and White

eyes bright

 

The spectacled owl, from Mexico, Central and South America, has striking black, white and yellow colored plumage. It has broken circles of white around its yellow glaring eyes. It has mostly black or dark brown wings with a black head and yellow chest. The chicks are born with a dense fluffy white layer of plumage which slowly changes to the adult coloration in a period of as long as two years.

 

Malay Eagle Owl – Ear Tufts and Brown Eyes

barred eagle owl tufts

 

The eagle owls are the largest of owls but within that group the barred eagle owl or the the Malay eagle owl is on the smaller side. It does have prominent ear tufts and large powerful talons, trademarks of the eagle owls. If fact, the Malay eagle owl’s large, sideways pointing ear tufts and dark brown eyes are its most recognizable features. It also has barred coloration and a light-colored breast and undersides.

 

American Kestrel – Colorful, Small, Populous in the Western Hemisphere

colorful raptor

 

The American kestrel is a small and very colorful falcon. It has large dark eyes, long wings and tail, with blue-gray wings and bright rusty coloring on its back, tail and head. Females are about 10% larger than males and have more barring than spots on their wings.

 

kestrel flying