Owls and Nightjars with good night vision | animaltvt

           Owls and nightjars are two species of birds that are well-known for their nocturnal vision. While owls are more commonly known, nightjars are also an interesting group of birds that are often overlooked. We will explore the differences and similarities between these two birds and their unique adaptations that allow them to see in low-light conditions.

Owls are a species of bird belonging to the Strigiiformes order. They are found in almost every part of the world except for Antarctica and some remote islands. Owls have large eyes that are fixed in their skulls, which means they cannot move their eyes around like humans and other animals can. However, this is compensated by the fact that they can rotate their heads up to 270 degrees, which allows them to see in all directions without having to move their bodies. In addition to their large eyes, owls have a specialized retina that is composed of a high density of rod cells, which are responsible for detecting low levels of light. This allows owls to see in low light conditions, such as at dawn or dusk, or in complete darkness.

Nightjars, on the other hand, are a group of nocturnal birds that belong to the family Caprimulgidae. They are found in almost every continent except for Antarctica and are known for their distinctive calls and aerial acrobatics. Nightjars have relatively small eyes compared to owls, but they have a large number of rod cells in their retinas, which allows them to see in low-light conditions. They also have a unique adaptation in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum, which is a reflective layer located behind the retina. This layer reflects light through the retina, allowing the photoreceptor cells to detect more light. This adaptation is also found in some nocturnal mammals, such as cats and dogs.

Despite their different appearances and lifestyles, both owls and nightjars have evolved similar adaptations to allow them to see in low-light conditions. Both species have large pupils that allow more light to enter the eye, and both have a high density of rod cells in their retinas. These adaptations allow them to detect small amounts of light, such as starlight or moonlight, and to see in low-light conditions. Owls and nightjars also have a specialized layer in their eyes called the fovea, which is responsible for high-acuity vision. This allows them to focus on small details, such as the movement of prey or potential threats.

In addition to their visual adaptations, both owls and nightjars have developed other strategies to help them navigate and hunt at night. Owls, for example, have excellent hearing and can locate prey by sound alone. They have asymmetrical ear openings, which allow them to determine the direction of a sound and to judge its distance. This ability is particularly useful when hunting in dense vegetation or in areas where prey is difficult to see.

Nightjars, on the other hand, are more reliant on their vision when hunting. They have a unique flight style that allows them to catch insects in mid-air. Nightjars can fly slowly and silently, using their large wings and tail to maneuver through the air. They are also able to open their mouths extremely wide, which allows them to catch insects in flight. Nightjars are often active during the early hours of the night and can be seen flying around streetlights or other sources of artificial light, where insects are attracted.