Everyone can see the abandoned building - but you have 20/20 vision if you can spot the owl in 12 seconds

THIS optical illusion has left even the most avid puzzle fans scratching their heads in confusion.

Test your IQ and observational skills by trying to find the cunning owl hiding somewhere inside this picture – yes, there really is an owl.

Can you spot the elusive owl hiding somewhere in this abandoned building? Credit: Caters

Participants were told they could have 20/20 vision and the IQ of a genius if they could find the sneaky bird in just 12 seconds.

So grab the timer, set it to 12 seconds and prove your puzzle-solving skills.

Although it may seem like a simple image, this is no easy feat and takes more than a minute for the average person to find.

Optical illusions are deliberately designed to deceive our vision and can be used as simple indicators of intelligence.

read more optical illusions

Advantages of optical illusions

RESEARCHERS have developed many tests to show how different regions of the brain respond to optical illusions.

They are not only entertaining, but shed light on how our brain interprets visual data.

By giving your brain a little exercise on a regular basis, you improve your ability to focus and observe details.

Studies have shown that people who regularly face optical illusions and puzzles see great improvements in their problem-solving skills, concentration and attention.

Improved concentration and attention span, in turn, can help prevent cognitive decline in old age.

Psychologists at the University of Glasgow have discovered that looking at an optical illusion can improve vision by allowing you to see fine print.

This illusion is particularly difficult because the dull, monotonous grays, whites and browns make for a rather mundane-looking background.

The bird blends in seamlessly with the brick, offering perfect camouflage for the wily animal, as it is difficult for our eyes to focus on the lack of diversity and variety.

Have you managed to find the elusive owl yet?

You have 20/20 vision if you can spot six differences between two pictures filled with rugby

If you need help, try breaking the image into several parts. Then search each section slowly, one at a time.

Or, if this puzzle seems too easy, why not try some of our other brain teasers?

Test your eyesight by trying to spot a fan among sports team players.

This brain teaser was inspired by the NFL Super Bowl, where the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs competed for the Lombardi Trophy at Allegiant Stadium.

Only the top 1% can find it within 15 seconds.

Or test your IQ by trying to find the fault in this depiction of a potential road problem.

The picture shows a red car driving through the countryside on a beautiful clear day – not a cloud in sight – but it’s your job to figure out what’s wrong.

And if you didn’t manage to find the owl in the strictly allotted time of just 12 seconds, don’t worry, we have the answer for you.

We’ve also added three bonus puzzles for you below.

Paul Meek / CATERS NEWS (PICTURES Owl camouflaged as one of the bricks in an abandoned building) You’ll need 20:20 vision to spot the owl hiding in these photos. If you look closely, you’ll spot this little owl camouflaged into a derelict building at Elmley Nature Reserve in Kent. […]Credit: Caters

Can you spot the five spray bottles in this messy bedroom? Credit: Hiatt Hardware

One was in the closet, another on the dresser, the third on the windowsill, the fourth by the curtains, and the fifth under the bed Credit: Hiatt Hardware