Nancy spotted this Barred Owl on the side of the road. Why do most owls have a round pattern of feathers around their eyes?
Answer:
The ring of feathers, called a facial disk, directs sound towards the owl's ears. Cup your hand behind your ears, and notice how it improves your hearing. Owl's can't hold their wings up behind their ears, especially while they are flying, but the facial disk does the same thing. Some owls hear so well that they can swoop down and catch a mouse without ever seeing it.
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