As part of our continuing series on bird myths, today we unravel the truth behind a familiar claim: Owls Can Turn Their Heads 360 Degrees. While this statement stretches the truth by nearly 100 degrees, the reality is no less astonishing. Owls are indeed masters of neck gymnastics, possessing the ability to rotate their heads up to an impressive 270 degrees, which is 3/4 of the way around. This incredible feat of flexibility is no party trick -- it serves a critical role in the survival and hunting strategies of these nocturnal raptors.

The myth of 360-degree neck swivels is rooted in what humans can observe in owls. One can imagine that seeing an owl look directly behind themselves without turning their body might lead someone to believe that owls can actually turn their heads all the way around. But careful observation will reveal the truth -- the bird must turn its head back the way it came to turn back forwards.

But how can owls turn their heads so far, and why do they have this adaptation? Owls have fixed eye sockets, meaning they cannot move their eyes within their skulls in order to look around, as humans and many other animals do. Instead, nature has equipped them with a highly flexible neck, allowing them to swivel their heads extensively in order to look around them. This unique adaptation enables owls to have a wide field of vision, essentially giving them the ability to observe their surroundings in almost every direction, without the need to move their entire body. This capability is crucial for spotting potential prey or identifying threats in their environment, particularly during the night, when visibility is low and owl vision excels.

The anatomical secret behind an owl's remarkable head rotation lies in the owl's neck bones. Unlike humans, who have seven cervical vertebrae, owls are endowed with 14, providing the additional flexibility to turn the neck so far around. Moreover, owl neck arteries have special adaptations to prevent blood flow from being cut off or causing damage during extreme rotations. This includes a system of blood vessels that ensures continuous blood supply to the brain and eyes when the main pathways are pinched during rotation.

This 270-degree rotational ability enhances the owl's silent hunting prowess. By minimizing movement, owls can stealthily observe and target their prey, maintaining an element of surprise. Their silent flight, combined with this panoramic vision, makes them formidable predators of the night, capable of detecting and swooping down on unsuspecting prey with remarkable precision.

Understanding the truth behind the owl's head rotation demystifies one of the many fascinating adaptations in the avian world, highlighting the complexity and beauty of nature's designs. It's a great example of the evolutionary marvels that allow birds, like the owl, to thrive in their specific niches, perfectly adapted to their ways of life.

Many countries have an official national bird. For example, the national bird of Belgium is the Common Kestrel, and the national bird of Israel is the Hoopoe. All U.S. states also have official birds. But did you know that there are even some cities that have their own official bird?

Cape Coral, Florida, a city celebrated for its picturesque canals and vibrant wildlife, is home to a particularly charming and quirky resident: the Burrowing Owl. This pint-sized owl has not only captivated the hearts of locals and visitors alike but has also earned the distinguished title of the official city bird. The Burrowing Owl's unique lifestyle, adorable appearance, and the conservation efforts surrounding it make for a fun story that intertwines the natural world with community pride.

Unlike most owls who are known for their nocturnal habits and preference for dense forests, the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) stands out for its diurnal (daytime) activity patterns and unusual habitat choice. As the name implies, these owls are ground-dwellers, favoring open, treeless areas where they make their homes in burrows. These burrows are not only a place of residence but also serve as protection against predators and extreme weather conditions. This adaptation to burrow living is a remarkable trait that sets the Burrowing Owl apart from its avian relatives.

Measuring about 7.5 to 11 inches in length, the Burrowing Owl is easily recognizable by its long legs, round head, and big, bright eyes. Their presence adds a unique charm to the landscapes of Cape Coral, where they can be found standing at the entrance to their burrows or perched on nearby posts during the day.

The Burrowing Owl diet mainly consists of insects, small mammals, and occasionally small reptiles and amphibians, playing a crucial role in controlling local pest populations.

Cape Coral's designation of the Burrowing Owl as its official city bird shows the community's awareness and commitment to wildlife conservation. The city boasts one of the largest populations of Burrowing Owls in Florida, thanks in part to the efforts of local conservation groups, city ordinances protecting the birds, and educational programs aimed at raising awareness about their habitat requirements and threats.

The challenges facing the Burrowing Owl are not insignificant. Habitat loss due to development, pesticide use, and human disturbance are ongoing threats to their population. However, Cape Coral has implemented several measures to protect these birds. These include creating protected nesting sites, enforcing regulations that prohibit the destruction of burrows, and organizing an annual Burrowing Owl Festival to celebrate and raise funds for their conservation. These efforts highlight the importance of community involvement in preserving natural habitats and the species that depend on them.

The Burrowing Owl's status as the official city bird of Cape Coral encourages residents and visitors to engage with nature respectfully and responsibly. Moreover, it underscores the importance of urban areas in contributing to the conservation of species and the health of ecosystems.

Cape Coral Burrowing Owl Gifts from Birdorable

See the perfect blend of style and nature with our original Birdorable Cape Coral Florida design available on different apparel styles from Amazon and Zazzle. A fun bird-themed addition to any wardrobe, this graphic design features our cute Birdorable Burrowing Owl with vibrant orange and green lettering that spells out "CAPE CORAL FLORIDA," celebrating the city's affinity with these charming birds. Choose from a variety of apparel styles, colors, and sizes to find your perfect fit. Whether you're a local resident, a visitor who has fallen in love with the area's wildlife, or a birding enthusiast, this design is a fun way to show your appreciation for Cape Coral's natural beauty.

Welcome to our 2023 Birdorable Bonanza! For the next 10 days we'll reveal a new cute bird that will join our big Birdorable flock! Today the Flammulated Owl kicks off our celebration.

The tiny Flammulated Owl, with its unique flame-like markings, might just be one of the forest's best-kept secrets!

The Flammulated Owl gets its intriguing name from its reddish-brown feathers that have flame-like patterns. This special coloring makes them experts at camouflage, blending seamlessly into the bark of pine trees. Living in the dense forest, these owls are like little guardians who watch over the trees under the cloak of night.

As night falls, these small yet mighty birds become active. Their big, round eyes are perfect for their nocturnal lifestyle. Just like a superhero with night vision, these owls can spot their prey in the dark with incredible accuracy. And what’s on their menu? Insects! Moths, beetles, and crickets are their favorites. With their silent flight, they swoop down and catch these insects mid-air, keeping the forest ecosystem balanced.

But don’t let their size fool you. Measuring only about the size of a soda can, Flammulated Owls may be small, but they play a vital role in their habitat. They're not just skilled hunters but also crucial for controlling insect populations, which is essential for a healthy forest. One of their favorite foods is butterflies; moths are also favored.

Find Birdorable Flammulated Owl apparel and gift items on Amazon:

Guess tomorrow's bird ...

Get ready to meet our feathered mystery for tomorrow! This South African beauty is a visual delight with its vibrant plumage. Its unique name is derived from its distinctive call, which resonates through its habitat, which includes fynbos and scrubby vegetation. Can you guess what bird it might be?