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 of puzzle fans scratching their heads in confusion.
Test your IQ and observation skills by trying to find the sneaky owl hiding somewhere within this picture - yes, there really is an owl.
Participants have been told that they could have 20/20 vision and the IQ of a genius if they manage to find the sneaky avian in just 12 seconds.
So grab a timer, set it to 12 seconds, and prove your puzzle-solving abilities.
Although it may seem like an ordinary image, this is no easy feat, and it takes the average person well over a minute to find it.
Optical illusions are purposefully designed to trick our vision, and can be used as simple determiners of intelligence.
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Optical illusions benefits
RESEARCHERS have developed many tests that show how various brain regions react to optical illusions.
They are not only entertaining, but they also shed light on how our brains interpret visual data.
By giving your brain a little workout on a regular basis, you enhance your ability to focus and observe details.
Studies have shown, people who regularly challenge themselves with optical illusions and puzzles see big improvements in their problem-solving skills, concentration and attention.
Improved concentration and attention span, in turn, can help prevent cognitive decline in older age.
Psychologists at The University of Glasgow found that staring at an optical illusion can improve eyesight by allowing you to see small print.
This illusion is especially difficult as the dull, drab colours of grey, white and brown make for quite a mundane looking background.
The bird blends seamlessly into the brick, offering the perfect camouflage for the sneaky animal, as our eyes find it hard to focus on the lack of variety and difference.
Have you managed to find the elusive owl yet?
If you'd like some help, try breaking the image down into several sections. Then search each section slowly, one at a time.
Or, if you found this puzzle too easy, why not try some of our other brain teasers?
Test your vision by trying to spot the fan among the sports teams’ players.
This brainteaser was inspired by the NFL Super Bowl, in which the San Francisco 49ers and the 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 mistake in this depiction of a potential problem on the road.
The image shows a red car going for a drive in the countryside on a beautiful clear day - there isn't a cloud in sight - but it's your job to find out what's wrong.
And, if you couldn't find the owl within the harshly allocated time of just 12 seconds, don't worry, we have the answer for you.
We've also added three bonus puzzles for you below.