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Do Owls Have Eyelashes?

Owls are perhaps the most recognizable of all birds. Their front-facing eyes give them binocular vision, and their ability to turn their necks 270 degrees helps them hunt for prey in all directions. The majority of owls are nocturnal, feeding on small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica, though they avoid treeless deserts and extremely high elevations. There are over 200 species of these predators, consisting of two types: barn owls and typical owls. They range in size from the tiny elf owl which grows to about 5 inches in length to the massive eagle owl, which tops 28 inches.

Barn Owls
- Barn owls typically have heart-shaped faces and no ear tufts.
  
  There are 18 species of barn owls, characterized by heart-shaped face discs. Their heads lack the ear tufts that are characteristic of other owls. This specialization allows them to capture prey in confined spaces, such as barns. In fact, their predilection for living in man-made structures gave these birds their name. Like all owls, barn owls have specialized feathers that allow them to fly silently, making them deadly predators.
Typical Owls
- Many species of owls have ear tufts that are used for display.
  
  The majority of owls (198 species) belong to a group called "typical owls." These are large-headed birds with round face disks, and they often show tufts of feathers on the top of their heads, called "ear tufts." These are not actual ears, but display feathers. Owls' ears are on the sides of their heads, covered by the feathers of their facial disks. Their eyes are elongated and provide extremely sharp vision, and their legs are feathered and lead to strongly taloned feet, perfect for snatching prey from the ground. Most of these birds prefer to live in forests, where they can find ample food, though there are exceptions, such as the snowy owl, which lives in the Arctic tundra.
Habits and Physical Features
- Specialized feathers allow silent flight, greatly assisting in hunting.
  
  All owls share several features and habits. They have specialized feathers that allow them silent flight, a distinct advantage to a hunting predator. Owls' flexible necks and large eyes allow them to see 270 degrees around them. Their feathered legs and strong talons are designed to allow them to catch running prey. While "hooting" is commonly associated with owls, not all owls actually hoot. Most make a wide range of sounds, including whistles, screeches, snorts, chitters and hisses.
Do Owls Have Eyelashes?
- Owls do not appear to have eyelashes.
  
  While owls' eyes are surrounded by small feathers, eyelashes do not appear to be a characteristic. Instead, many owls have protective ridges of feathers above their eyes.

Animals & Science