Photo from Zoran Vidrih (Facebook)

Our only owl that spends it’s winters in Africa. The Eurasian scops owl (Otus scops) Slovenia, April 2024

  • anon6789OP
    link
    104 months ago

    The feathers here around the beak are called rictal bristles.

    There is still much debate in what functions these serve for birds.

    With owls, the thought is it helps them feel and sense things close to their face. Owl eyes can’t move, due to their shape. This is why they twist their head around funny directions; their eyeballs are in fixed position. That leaves a blind spot in between them up close, which is why these special feathers may be very important to them.

    • @I_Fart_Glitter
      link
      64 months ago

      But it makes him look like he’s got a happy little secret…

      • anon6789OP
        link
        54 months ago

        I said they served multiple and mysterious functions… Keeping a secret can certainly be one of those things! 😏