The Owl Pages

Spectacled Owl juvenile in mesoptile plumage

Photo of Spectacled Owl juvenile in mesoptile plumage

Spectacled Owl juvenile in mesoptile plumage
Upon hatching, owl chicks are blind and have a thin coat of natal down. In 1-2 weeks, a heavier second coat of down appears, called the mesoptile. Image © Johanna Murillo.