![]() ![]() And because each ear provides a slightly different set of auditory feedback the owl is able to use them to triangulate on the source of the sound and hone in on the precise direction and distance to its unfortunate next meal-even when it can’t be seen. Amazingly, an owl is able to perceive the tiny difference in the time it takes a sound to reach each ear. In many species the ears are asymmetrically positioned, meaning that one ear is higher and frequently farther forward on the head than the other. Owls can not only hear relatively quiet sounds at great distances, but they can also accurately pinpoint the source of a sound, whether that sound is made by a mouse scrambling through a hayfield at night or a lemming moving under a thick blanket of snow.Īn owl’s head features a round face, ringed with feathers, that has evolved to function a bit like a satellite dish-collecting sound and channeling it to ears hidden on the side of the face. But they also have a less obvious secret weapon-their extremely sensitive hearing. Owls are well-armed nocturnal hunters that boast keen eyesight, and wield sharp beaks and talons. ![]() Majority World / Universal Images Group via Getty Images Owl Ears Pinpoint Preyīarn owls are considered one of nature’s super predators because of their silent flight and amazing hearing. Here are five exceptional adaptations to the dark that stand out. The darkness is alive with creatures of all types, and many of them have evolved incredible senses and abilities that help them prosper in a world without light. After all, roughly half of the planet experiences night at any given time, and environments like subterranean caves and the deep sea never receive any sunlight at all. But across the animal kingdom many species have a different perspective. Humans have a bias for the daylight hours, when most of our activity takes place.
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