#12: Hidden Necks
Owls are known for their distinctive appearance, with large heads and seemingly short necks. However, beneath their fluffy and well-camouflaged feathers lies a surprising secret: owls actually possess remarkably long necks. These elongated necks give them a surprising range of motion, allowing them to turn their heads up to 270 degrees, thanks to specialized adaptations in their skeletal structure and blood vessels.
We knew that owls possess extraordinary neck flexibility, but we never knew how that was possible. This feature aids them in locating prey, as their fixed vision necessitates swaying their heads precisely. So, while owls may appear to lack necks, their hidden neck length is a crucial element of hunting, enabling them to thrive as skilled nocturnal predators in the animal kingdom.