From Ojai Raptor Center

Yes, this baby Great Horned Owl is asleep on his head. Baby owls, including great horned owlets, frequently sleep lying flat on their stomachs with their heads flopped face down or to the side, and sometimes they even sleep lying on their heads.

Owlets have disproportionately large, heavy heads compared to their still-growing bodies, and their neck muscles aren’t strong enough to support the weight of that heavy head when their bodies are relaxed.

If young owls tried to sleep standing up or perched like adults, they could tip over and potentially fall from the nest. Lying flat helps prevent this and keeps them safe. Their naps are usually short, and once they are asleep, they do not normally awaken, even for food.

A young owl can snooze on a branch without falling because its back toe, called the hallux, helps hold onto the branch. The hallux does not release until the bird bends its leg. With their talons tightly gripping the branch, owlets can lie down on their stomachs, turn their heads to the side, and fall asleep.

It may look strange, but this is normal baby owl behavior. Growing into an adult owl body takes time.