Owls don’t have eyeballs. At least not in the traditional sense.
If Owls Don’t Have Eyeballs, What Do They Have?
Owls possess elongated, tubular eyes that are fixed in their sockets. This unique design provides them with exceptional vision, especially in low light.
The reason behind this peculiar eye shape is all about maximizing light intake and enhancing their depth perception. With their long, tube-shaped eyes, owls can collect and process a significant amount of light. This feature is vital for a creature that does most of its hunting during twilight hours or in the dark of the night.
Now, since owls can’t move their eyes within their sockets like humans can, they’ve developed an incredible neck flexibility. An owl can rotate its head up to 270 degrees in either direction. Imagine turning your head almost entirely backward! This ability allows them to have a wide field of view without needing to move their bodies.
The Trade-Off
There’s always a trade-off in nature. While owls can see far and wide with their tubular eyes, their peripheral vision is limited. That’s where their keen sense of hearing comes into play. Together with their exceptional eyesight, their auditory skills make them formidable nocturnal hunters.
An owl’s retina has an abundance of rod cells, which are sensitive to light and movement. These cells help the owl detect even the slightest movement of prey in dimly lit conditions. And while they have fewer cone cells, responsible for color vision, recent studies suggest that owls can see some colors, particularly blue.
Given the size and prominence of an owl’s eyes, protecting them is crucial. Owls have a third eyelid known as a nictitating membrane. This translucent lid sweeps across the eye horizontally, acting as a windshield wiper to remove dust and debris. It also helps in keeping their eyes moist.
The unique eye structure of owls has fascinated scientists and researchers for years. By studying how owls see, we gain insights into improving visual technologies, especially those required to function in low-light conditions.
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Source: “Do Owls Have Eyeballs: The Unique Vision And Skills Of Owls” — DiscoveryNatures