Introduction
When we think of owls, we picture their big, bright eyes. Since we have an intuitive, emotional bond to many animals or birds with large, round eyes, we may associate them with human attributes such as cleverness or intelligence. Owls do not have such highly developed brains, and when tested in captivity have shown above-average intelligence in popular culture but they have the ability to hunt better than other animals. According to the Greeks, owl mythology likely developed because Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, was often depicted with an owl on her right shoulder.
Why do people think owls are intelligent?
Many believed that owls are intelligent because of their night vision and connection with the night. Their keen vision in particular impressed the ancients, who believed that the animal had the ability to be part of the goddess Athena’s divine providence. But they’re incredible creatures in their way. They are good hunters with superb ears, dense plumage, and large eyes that make hunting easier for them.
What makes owls so special?
As already discussed, an owl’s intelligence is thought to be connected with its ability to hunt better than other animals. It is undeniable that they are nocturnal animals and thus have to work on much harder challenges for hunting, as they have several features that make them smart hunters. Here are some reasons why they are so special in their own way.
Flattened face
With a large-eyed, widely-opened face, owls are a distinctive type of bird that is well remembered for their facial characteristics and eyes. Owls have a wide, hawk-like beak; a flat, face; and usually a noticeable circle of feathers, a big facial disc, around each eye.
2. Asymmetrical Ears
Some owl species are asymmetrical, with one ear higher than the other. Because sound has a different amount of time to enter the ear, one ear is higher on the head than the other, giving the owl a better ability to find prey.
Owls possess the ability to pinpoint the location of noises in various directions because of their uneven position. To put it differently, the owl moves its head such that the sound of the noise reaches both ears.
3. Soundless Flight
Owls can move quietly and can stop their opponents with continued predator behavior and a silent move. When other individuals fly, the air is expelled from the wing surface, causing turbulence and an annoying commotion. When owls fly, the commotion is dissipated by their feather surface.
There was an experiment to research their flying abilities. It traveled from one spot to the other without making any noise. Even the microphones’ sensitivity was not affected.
4. Their ability to Vision
Owls have large eyes that supply outstanding stereo vision in low light. They are permanent pipes that are fixed by rotating the head, unlike human eyes.
The pupils of the birds are able to dilate and contract extensively, making them adept both night and day.
5. Luring Technique
To catch prey, a spotted owl uses an incredible underground bait, which lures certain beetles out of their burrows. Burrowing owls also follow this strategy, which makes them considered to be quite intelligent among owl species.
Summary
Owls are some of the smartest animals on the planet. Not only do they have excellent eyesight and hearing, but they are also adept at problem-solving and memory recall. As a result, owls make great pets and can provide many years of entertainment and companionship. If you’re interested in adding an owl to your family, be sure to research their individual needs and make sure you have the space for one.
