In order to stabilize the characteristics of reception of an optical signal received via a transfer path, this optical receiver is provided with: a local beam output means 1; a light receiving means 2; a photoelectric conversion means 3; a measuring means 4; a control means 5; and a comparing means 6, the comparing means 6, when the control means 5 sweeping the wavelength of the local beam in a predetermined wavelength range with respect to the central wavelength of the optical signal, generating difference data between a spectrum based on a result of the measuring, by the measuring means 4, of the electric signal in accordance with a change in the wavelength of the local beam and a preset reference spectrum.