tag:theconversation.com,2011:/us/topics/owls-58997/articlesOwls – The Conversation2024-03-21T12:25:24Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2251482024-03-21T12:25:24Z2024-03-21T12:25:24ZFor centuries, owls were considered to bring bad luck in many cultures as well as in the US, but the outpouring of grief in New York over Flaco shows how times have changed<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/582910/original/file-20240319-18-c403qf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=28%2C0%2C6332%2C3736&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Tributes left at a memorial for Flaco the owl in Central Park in New York.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/EscapedOwlCentralPark/0e033d63fec14c708cde28f9250f19da/photo?Query=flaco%20owl&mediaType=photo&sortBy=&dateRange=Anytime&totalCount=37&currentItemNo=20">AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>There has been an <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/24/1233703492/flaco-new-york-owl-dies-building-collision">outpouring of grief in New York City</a> ever since the beloved Eurasian eagle-owl Flaco died on Feb. 23, 2024, after striking a building. In 2023, after escaping from Central Park Zoo, Flaco survived for over a year on his own, captivating New Yorkers.</p>
<p>Mourners <a href="https://abc7ny.com/videoClip/14465905/">are leaving notes and flowers</a> at the base of an old oak tree in Central Park, reportedly a favorite roost of his. <a href="https://www.artandobject.com/news/fans-call-statue-honor-beloved-owl-flaco#">Thousands have signed a petition for a statue in his honor</a>. Figure skaters honored him with a show called “<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/flaco-the-owl-remembered-with-fly-be-free-ice-show-at-central-parks-wollman-rink/">Fly. Be Free</a>.” </p>
<p>This reaction to Flaco’s death would be mystifying for many people around the world. I <a href="https://www.macalester.edu/anthropology/facultystaff/arjunguneratne/">have spent a decade studying</a> the history of ornithology in Sri Lanka, including local beliefs in the owl as a bird that foretells deaths. Meanwhile, in some societies, owls were (and are) seen as <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/24750263.2023.2254823">a symbol of wisdom</a> or even a sign of good luck.</p>
<p>But, by far, the most widespread belief about owls is that they are associated with witchcraft and death. </p>
<p>In much of the world – in African societies, among <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jsh/shw089">African Americans in the U.S. South</a> and the <a href="https://ugapress.org/book/9780820328157/spirits-of-the-air/">Indigenous people</a> <a href="https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/M/bo34116501.html">of the Americas</a>, and throughout South and Southeast Asia as well as in Europe – owls are seen as harbingers of death. The Cajuns, French-speaking refugees who settled in Louisiana’s bayou country after being driven out of Nova Scotia by the British, <a href="https://doi.org/10.2307/534893">feared the screech of an owl</a>.</p>
<p>The American philosopher Henry David Thoreau <a href="https://archive.vcu.edu/english/engweb/transcendentalism/authors/thoreau/walden/chapter04.html">wrote in his book “Walden</a>” that owls “represent the stark twilight and unsatisfied thoughts which all have.” Nineteenth and early 20th century Americans <a href="https://www.carolinabirdclub.org/BOCC/Non-Passerines/25%20Owls/01%20Strigidae%20Family%20True%20Owls.pdf">were more likely to shoot an owl as an undesirable predator</a> than leave flowers at a memorial for one. But Flaco’s year of fame shows <a href="https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/9080/owls-united-states-and-canada">the sea change in the way Western cultures have come to regard owls</a> since Thoreau’s time. </p>
<h2>Birds of ill-omen</h2>
<p>During the Tang dynasty, which ruled China from the seventh to the 10th century, owls were thought to bring bad luck; they were despised for <a href="https://doi.org/10.3406/befeo.2016.6236">supposedly eating their mothers</a>. The Aztec god of death, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1215/00141801-8266452">Mictlantecuhtli, is accompanied by an owl</a>. Jahangir, one of the Mughal emperors of India, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S0010417523000245">sought to control the sale of owl meat in his empire</a> because it was believed to be an ingredient for sorcery. </p>
<p>Such beliefs also prevailed in Europe. The Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder, who died in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, said the owl was a “<a href="https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/9080/owls-united-states-and-canada">monster of the night … [and] a direful omen</a>.” In the European Middle Ages, owls were thought to accompany witches. No wonder, then, that J.K. Rowling has Harry Potter’s mail delivered by an owl. </p>
<p>The French call the barn owl “chouette effraie des clochers,” literally, “the scary owl of the bell towers.” Shakespeare made use of the idea that owls foretold death in many of his plays. For instance, Lady Macbeth says, “It was the owl that shrieked,” foretelling the murder of Duncan by her husband. </p>
<p>These beliefs lingered in England until World War II, when they began to disappear. </p>
<h2>The legend from Sri Lanka</h2>
<p>For centuries, people living in rural areas in Sri Lanka <a href="https://youtu.be/p46A3HMuoCo?feature=shared">have believed in a “devil bird,” or “ulama</a>” in the local Sinhala language, that foretold a death. </p>
<p>The basis of this belief was a legend that told of a man who, to punish his wife, gave her the flesh of her murdered child to cook. On discovering the truth, she fled screaming into the jungle. As the legend goes, she was turned into the ulama by the gods. In some versions of the tale, she was reborn as the devil bird. </p>
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<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p46A3HMuoCo?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">The sound of the ulama.</span></figcaption>
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<p>Ever since, she is believed to haunt the jungle, her terrible cries foretelling a death in the community of whoever happens to hear them. </p>
<p>Such beliefs made sense to British colonizers, including planters carving out coffee estates in remote, forested areas during the 19th century. They would have heard strange, blood-curdling cries from the forests that surrounded their houses. The local villagers’ explanations for these cries would have made sense to them. The British, after all, also came from a society where superstitions concerning owls – the definitive birds of the night – <a href="https://books.google.com.vc/books?id=66N7I_6M7WUC&printsec=copyright#v=onepage&q=owls&f=false">were a part of folk belief</a>. </p>
<p>The identity of the ulama was <a href="http://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2004/01/18/fea14.html">extensively debated</a> throughout the 19th and early 20th century by ornithologists, who attributed these night sounds to some species of owl. Colonial British ornithologists eventually determined that the <a href="https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/61724#page/215/mode/1up">ulama was a species of large owl</a>, probably the <a href="https://ebird.org/species/sbeowl1">spot-bellied eagle-owl</a>. The identification is said to have been clinched when an eagle-owl was shot one moonlit night by a planter while it was making the ulama’s cry. </p>
<h2>Celebration of owls today</h2>
<p>The development of both scientific knowledge of birds and the popular hobby of birding has given people who live in the U.S. and Britain a decidedly different take on owls. Urbanization may also have something to do with it. Sri Lankan beliefs in the ulama, for example, are much less prevalent in urban areas than in the countryside. </p>
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<img alt="An illustration showing an owl sitting on top of a red polka dot couch with a honey pot resting on it, and a bear standing in front." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/582912/original/file-20240319-16-8obym8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/582912/original/file-20240319-16-8obym8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=422&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/582912/original/file-20240319-16-8obym8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=422&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/582912/original/file-20240319-16-8obym8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=422&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/582912/original/file-20240319-16-8obym8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=530&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/582912/original/file-20240319-16-8obym8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=530&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/582912/original/file-20240319-16-8obym8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=530&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">An antique postcard showing Winnie-the-Pooh and Owl.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/reproduction-of-antique-postcard-shows-winnie-the-pooh-and-news-photo/1318727117?adppopup=true">Igor Golovniov/Universal Images Group via Getty Images</a></span>
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<p>In popular literature and culture in North America and Britain, owls have had their reputations rehabilitated. In A.A. Milne’s “Winnie-the-Pooh,” Owl is a likable bird who does his best to be intelligent and erudite. The National Audubon Society, one of the oldest bird conservation organizations in the U.S., sells <a href="https://www.audubon.org/marketplace/plush-birds#!">cuddly owl toys</a> that will hoot when squeezed. There’s even an annual <a href="https://www.festivalofowls.com/">International Festival of Owls</a> in Houston, Minnesota, where owls are celebrated. </p>
<p>That New Yorkers want to erect a memorial to Flaco is a remarkable instance of the ongoing rehabilitation of a group of birds that are charismatic, fascinating and quite undeserving of the bad rap they’ve been given over thousands of years.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/225148/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Arjun Guneratne receives funding from American Council of Learned Societies and Council of American Overseas Research Centers for work on the history of ornithology.</span></em></p>Owls, once seen as harbingers of death, are now celebrated in popular literature and culture in North America and Britain.Arjun Guneratne, Professor of Anthropology, Macalester CollegeLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2121842023-08-25T05:19:28Z2023-08-25T05:19:28ZRat poison is killing our beloved native owls and tawny frogmouths – and that’s the tip of the iceberg<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/544711/original/file-20230825-15-cf4fu6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=37%2C5%2C3251%2C2357&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/eastern-barn-owl-south-australia-2205796803">Imogen Warren, Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>There’s nothing quite like having a rodent problem in your home. Most people will do anything to get rid of them. </p>
<p>Australians usually reach for rat poison, without a second thought. Most of these poisons – sold at supermarkets and hardware stores – are “<a href="https://apvma.gov.au/node/87226#what-is-an-anticoagulant-rodenticide">second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides</a>” (SGARs) also known as single-dose anticoagulants. These extremely powerful poisons stay in the body for many months. It takes only a single feed to kill a rodent, usually within a week. </p>
<p>With the rodent problem solved, our house is once again our castle, and all is well. Right? </p>
<p>Unfortunately, use of rat poison is leading to the wide-scale poisoning of Australia’s nocturnal predatory birds, including the crowd favourite tawny frogmouth and Australia’s largest owl, the majestic powerful owl. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969723049185#bb0020">Our new research</a> reveals the alarming extent of the problem. </p>
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<figcaption><span class="caption">Help save owls from rodenticide poisoning (BirdLife Australia)</span></figcaption>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-control-invasive-rats-and-mice-at-home-without-harming-native-wildlife-180792">How to control invasive rats and mice at home without harming native wildlife</a>
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<h2>Poisoning in tawny frogmouths and owls</h2>
<p>Anticoagulant rat poisons are effective at killing rodents, but they also accumulate in the liver and muscle tissues of predators that eat the poisoned animals. </p>
<p>The SGARs do not kill immediately, it can take many days. During that time, the rodent – or any other animal that eats the poison – can keep eating more. The poison does not leave the body but continues to accumulate in tissues while attacking the body’s capacity to clot blood. Eventually the poisoned animal dies from internal bleeding. </p>
<p>While still alive, the poisoned animal makes easy prey because it becomes lethargic and doesn’t behave in a normal, cautious manner.</p>
<p>Eating a single poisoned rodent probably won’t kill a predator, but what happens when predators are exposed to poisoned prey all the time? This is probably what is happening in our cities, suburbs and farms, every day of the year.</p>
<h2>Here’s what we found</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969723049185#bb0020">Our new research</a> reveals alarming levels of rat poisons in our nocturnal predatory birds. Across four species, we found a staggering 92% of the 60 dead birds we tested had been exposed to these poisons. The concentration of SGARs in the liver was such that toxic or lethal impacts were likely to have occurred in 33% of powerful owls we tested, 68% of tawny frogmouths, 42% of southern boobooks and 80% of barn owls.</p>
<p>Testing for rat poison is not a pretty job. The only accurate way is to test the animal’s liver. Over the last two years, our team had the gruesome job of collecting and dissecting the livers of 60 dead owls and tawny frogmouths (24 powerful owls, 19 tawny frogmouths, 12 southern boobooks, and five eastern barn owls). Most birds were from Victoria. We were aided by concerned citizens who found and reported these dead birds to us, often collecting the bodies themselves and keeping them in their fridges.</p>
<p>Of the 55 birds found to have rodenticides in them, every one contained brodifacoum. Brodifacoum is the most widely available SGAR in Australia. It is highly potent and can stay in the body for more than 100 days. That means animals can accumulate more in their bodies as they continue to eat poisoned prey. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/mouse-plague-bromadiolone-will-obliterate-mice-but-itll-poison-eagles-snakes-and-owls-too-160995">Mouse plague: bromadiolone will obliterate mice, but it'll poison eagles, snakes and owls, too</a>
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<h2>Are we also poisoning other native animals?</h2>
<p>Our research shows poisoning rodents is poisoning our predators, in large numbers. This is widespread across urban areas, agricultural areas and forests on the edge of suburbia.</p>
<p>Given the high rate of exposure to rat poisons, it is likely predator populations will decline. Losing our predators to poisoning will have widespread consequences, for natural systems and urban environments. Birds of prey help to keep rodents (and other species prone to reaching high numbers) in check. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/544443/original/file-20230824-23-wudpy8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A photograph looking up at a powerful owl eating a common brushtail possum while in a tree" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/544443/original/file-20230824-23-wudpy8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/544443/original/file-20230824-23-wudpy8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=709&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/544443/original/file-20230824-23-wudpy8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=709&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/544443/original/file-20230824-23-wudpy8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=709&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/544443/original/file-20230824-23-wudpy8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=891&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/544443/original/file-20230824-23-wudpy8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=891&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/544443/original/file-20230824-23-wudpy8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=891&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">A powerful owl eating a common brushtail possum.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">John White</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a></span>
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<p>We are probably inadvertently poisoning other native animals. Powerful owls do not eat many rats, they prefer to dine on native possums and gliders. The common brushtail possum, with its broad diet and penchant for living in roof cavities, is no doubt directly feasting on rat poison.</p>
<p>So the high level of rat poison we found in nocturnal predators is likely the tip of a poisoned iceberg.</p>
<h2>Is this a new ‘Silent Spring’ moment?</h2>
<p>In 1962, biologist Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring introduced the world to the impacts of pesticides on humans and non-target species. This catalysed investigations into pesticides such as DDT, which were being passed up the foodchain and “bio-accumulating” in raptors, decimating populations. Now, the devastating impacts of SGARs are becoming more widely recognised. </p>
<p>Our research, along with a growing body of <a href="https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jvms/81/2/81_17-0717/_article">international evidence</a>, highlights the need to introduce restrictions on the availability of SGARs in Australia. </p>
<p>As with DDT in the 1980s, many countries such as the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/rodenticides/restrictions-rodenticide-products">United States</a>, <a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/pesticides-pest-management/legislation-consultation/rodenticide-ban">Canada</a> and the <a href="https://www.thinkwildlife.org/stewardship-regime/">United Kingdom</a> are moving to ban public access to SGARs or substantially restrict how they can be used.</p>
<p>But Australia is lagging on the effective regulation on the use of SGARs. Currently, SGARs are <a href="https://apvma.gov.au/node/87226#what-is-an-anticoagulant-rodenticide">approved for use</a> “in and around domestic, commercial, industrial and agricultural buildings”. They are not approved for use in crops, in the open, or in other areas accessible to non-target animals or children. But these restrictions are not sufficient. It is also likely many people do not follow instructions when they use rat poisons. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/544442/original/file-20230824-19-rnjxqs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A tawny frogmouth with its head to one side, looking serious" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/544442/original/file-20230824-19-rnjxqs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/544442/original/file-20230824-19-rnjxqs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=352&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/544442/original/file-20230824-19-rnjxqs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=352&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/544442/original/file-20230824-19-rnjxqs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=352&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/544442/original/file-20230824-19-rnjxqs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=443&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/544442/original/file-20230824-19-rnjxqs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=443&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/544442/original/file-20230824-19-rnjxqs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=443&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">One of Australia’s favourite birds, the tawny frogmouth.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">John White</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a></span>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/spooky-stealthy-night-hunters-revealing-the-wonderful-otherworld-of-owls-209498">Spooky, stealthy night hunters: revealing the wonderful otherworld of owls</a>
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<h2>What are the alternatives to rat poison?</h2>
<p>Next time you reach for the rat poison, consider the consequences. There is a very strong likelihood you will poison more than rodents – you could be poisoning a tawny frogmouth or owl. </p>
<p>Try to approach the problem without using poisons. In particular, avoid any SGAR-based products (those containing brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, difethialone and flucoumafen as the active ingredients). </p>
<p>There are ways to control rats and mice <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-control-invasive-rats-and-mice-at-home-without-harming-native-wildlife-180792">without harming native wildlife</a>. Trapping technology has come a long way and the latest methods are far more effective, humane and efficient than the old-fashioned spring-loaded mouse trap.</p>
<p>We can also make our homes less attractive to vermin, by clearing vegetation close to the house, reducing the availability of food sources such as pet food and compost, and blocking access to the building. And of course, we can support our natural predators to do what they do best, without putting themselves in harm’s way.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/212184/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>There’s shocking new evidence of rodenticide poisoning in Australia’s nocturnal predatory birds. High concentrations of the active ingredients were found in 92% of the 60 dead birds they tested.John White, Associate Professor in Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Deakin UniversityRaylene Cooke, Associate Professor, Deakin UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2094982023-08-07T02:20:47Z2023-08-07T02:20:47ZSpooky, stealthy night hunters: revealing the wonderful otherworld of owls<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540111/original/file-20230731-3774-49xq3a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=59%2C29%2C4728%2C3223&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The calls of owls come to me most nights through the open window of my bedroom. Mostly it is the soft, repeated, rhythmic <em>more … pork, more … pork</em> of a pair of boobooks. </p>
<p>Sometimes, more grandly, it is the deeper, slower <em>woo hoo … woo hoo</em> of a powerful owl, hunting for possums in the creek-side forest. Even less common but more unnerving is the truly weird screaming and distinctive whistling (likened to a falling bomb) of a sooty owl. </p>
<p>These calls in the dark invite me into a mysterious world of heightened sensory perceptions beyond the constraints of human experience.</p>
<p>This otherness of owls, and their mastery of the dark – that place in which we are most fearful, most inexpert – has long fascinated and spooked us. </p>
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<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/look-up-a-powerful-owl-could-be-sleeping-in-your-backyard-after-a-night-surveying-kilometres-of-territory-155479">Look up! A powerful owl could be sleeping in your backyard after a night surveying kilometres of territory</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>In almost all cultures, owls have been accorded a special significance – sometimes as symbols and talismans of wisdom, sometimes as messengers from the dead, sometimes as an embodiment of evil. They are perhaps the most iconic and intriguing of all birds. As told in a new book, we attach otherworldly significance to owls “because they enchant the environment”.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540113/original/file-20230731-113388-6l0vv3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540113/original/file-20230731-113388-6l0vv3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540113/original/file-20230731-113388-6l0vv3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=374&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540113/original/file-20230731-113388-6l0vv3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=374&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540113/original/file-20230731-113388-6l0vv3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=374&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540113/original/file-20230731-113388-6l0vv3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=470&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540113/original/file-20230731-113388-6l0vv3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=470&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540113/original/file-20230731-113388-6l0vv3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=470&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The otherness of owls, such as this Eurasian barn owl, has long fascinated humans.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In <a href="https://scribepublications.com.au/books-authors/books/what-an-owl-knows-9781922310682">What an owl knows: the new science of the world’s most enigmatic birds</a>, American science writer Jennifer Ackerman makes much of this mystery accessible; her explanations accentuate, rather than diminish, the wonder of owls. She weaves in strands of knowledge drawn from recent owl research carried out by an endearing cast of committed scientists and splendidly obsessed volunteers. </p>
<p>Indeed, much of her book is not so much about owls, but rather about the people who choose to venture with them. In some cases, this “owling” is a solace and salve from the pains of normal life; sometimes it is a life-time odyssey born out of and shaped by a wondrous early experience. </p>
<p>Ackerman provides a highly accessible account of all aspects of the lives of owls, a diverse but very distinctive set of birds, numbering about 260 species. Owls occur across all continents other than Antarctica, spanning an environmental gradient from the freezing Arctic (home of the stunningly beautiful snowy owl, of Harry Potter fame) to the hottest deserts (home of elf owls). </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540108/original/file-20230731-6515-5e9e6g.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540108/original/file-20230731-6515-5e9e6g.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540108/original/file-20230731-6515-5e9e6g.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540108/original/file-20230731-6515-5e9e6g.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540108/original/file-20230731-6515-5e9e6g.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540108/original/file-20230731-6515-5e9e6g.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540108/original/file-20230731-6515-5e9e6g.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540108/original/file-20230731-6515-5e9e6g.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A snowy owl.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There is much consistency among owl species in behaviour, breeding characteristics and body shape – across a size ranging from the tiny elf owl (weighing about 40 grams) to the seriously large eagle owls and Blakiston’s fish owl (at almost 5 kilograms). </p>
<p>Yet there are intriguing differences among owl species in some aspects of their way of life: for example, some species move across large distances whereas others are highly sedentary; some species eat only a narrow range of prey; others are far less specialist.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540109/original/file-20230731-235681-677g37.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540109/original/file-20230731-235681-677g37.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540109/original/file-20230731-235681-677g37.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540109/original/file-20230731-235681-677g37.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540109/original/file-20230731-235681-677g37.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540109/original/file-20230731-235681-677g37.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540109/original/file-20230731-235681-677g37.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540109/original/file-20230731-235681-677g37.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">An elf owl weighs just 40 grams.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Owl questions</h2>
<p>Ackerman answers some of the most fundamental of owl questions. Firstly, why, alone of all birds, do they have that spooky, human-like characteristic of forward-facing eyes? The answer is partly because the resulting binocular vision gives hunting owls heightened capability for zeroing in on prey. It is also because so much of the owl’s head is crowded with the infrastructure needed to support its acute hearing there is little room in the skull for any other positioning of the eyes.</p>
<figure class="align-left zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540350/original/file-20230801-113388-9zzats.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540350/original/file-20230801-113388-9zzats.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540350/original/file-20230801-113388-9zzats.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=886&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540350/original/file-20230801-113388-9zzats.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=886&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540350/original/file-20230801-113388-9zzats.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=886&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540350/original/file-20230801-113388-9zzats.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1113&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540350/original/file-20230801-113388-9zzats.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1113&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540350/original/file-20230801-113388-9zzats.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1113&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
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</figure>
<p>Secondly, how do owls hunt in the pitch dark? Mostly, through highly developed hearing, capable of pinpointing noise accompanying the movement of potential prey.</p>
<p>Thirdly, how is owl flight so silent? Ackerman notes it is “a feat of bio-mechanical stealth that still challenges biologists and engineeers”, but is mostly explained by a suite of distinctive physical characteristics of owl feathers. Owls are masterpieces of adaption, having honed their expertise as night predators over millions of years.</p>
<p>But Ackerman’s canvass is broad: her book tells us much about owls’ hunting and diet, breeding habits, movements, habitat requirements, senses and communications methods. Mostly, this is knowledge gained from field research, but there are also fascinating intimate insights into the behaviours of captive owls gained by enthralled bird-keepers.</p>
<p>Beyond ecology alone, Ackerman also ventures into the way owls have infiltrated our minds in mythology and religion. Owl symbology appears in cave paintings, artefacts and stories from ancient cultures, and in many modern societies. Their lasting intrigue is at least partly because of their mastery of the fearsome domain – the dark – and partly because so much strangeness and knowingness can be read into their distinctive faces.</p>
<h2>The quest of one researcher</h2>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540351/original/file-20230801-29-gyv639.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540351/original/file-20230801-29-gyv639.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540351/original/file-20230801-29-gyv639.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=888&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540351/original/file-20230801-29-gyv639.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=888&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540351/original/file-20230801-29-gyv639.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=888&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540351/original/file-20230801-29-gyv639.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1116&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540351/original/file-20230801-29-gyv639.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1116&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540351/original/file-20230801-29-gyv639.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1116&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
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</figure>
<p>Field research on owls can be particularly difficult, for they live largely in the dark, are mostly secretive, and may be scarce. Jonathan Slaght’s epic book <a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/owls-of-the-eastern-ice-9780141987262">Owls of the eastern ice: the quest to find and save the world’s largest owl</a> describes his study of the threatened, fish-eating Blakiston’s fish owl in the wilds of eastern Siberia . </p>
<p>Slaght’s account is an excellent complement to that of Ackerman, providing far more intensive documentation of a single spectacular owl species, living in a place, characterised by copious vodka consumption, where it is increasingly threatened by industrial-scale timber harvesting. </p>
<p>In this comfortless place, Slaght painstakingly pieces together the ecology of this magnificent species, and tries to provide it with some conservation management in a hostile environment. His book is a must-read corrective lesson for anyone who thinks wildlife research is simple and easy. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540110/original/file-20230731-19-2c5zmf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540110/original/file-20230731-19-2c5zmf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540110/original/file-20230731-19-2c5zmf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540110/original/file-20230731-19-2c5zmf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540110/original/file-20230731-19-2c5zmf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540110/original/file-20230731-19-2c5zmf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540110/original/file-20230731-19-2c5zmf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540110/original/file-20230731-19-2c5zmf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A Blakiston’s fish owl hunting.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Threats</h2>
<p>Humans have long been interested in and inspired by owls. But of course, this does not mean that we always care for them. Many owls are now threatened, in some cases because of pervasive factors such as habitat destruction and climate change. </p>
<p>But there are also particular conservation problems for owls. As predators, often of rodents, owls are susceptible to the accumulation of persistent pesticides (notably anticoagulant rodenticides such as brodifacoum) that we use to control rats and mice around our houses or more extensively for rodent plagues in crops.</p>
<p>In Australia, we are profligate in our use of such chemicals and lax in our regulation of them. Secondary poisoning of owls is <a href="https://www.devilbendfoundation.org.au/files/news/Powerful_Owl_Related_Toxicology.pdf">thus common</a>. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969718322836">One study from Western Australia</a> detected anticoagulant rodenticides in 72% of boobook owls found dead or moribund. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540115/original/file-20230731-17-2jpe28.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540115/original/file-20230731-17-2jpe28.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540115/original/file-20230731-17-2jpe28.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540115/original/file-20230731-17-2jpe28.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540115/original/file-20230731-17-2jpe28.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540115/original/file-20230731-17-2jpe28.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540115/original/file-20230731-17-2jpe28.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540115/original/file-20230731-17-2jpe28.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A southern boobook owl: their poisoning with rodenticides is common.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>During recent Australian mouse plagues, the New South Wales government sought an emergency permit to make available large quantities of the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jun/23/nsw-plan-to-use-napalm-poison-to-control-mouse-plague-rejected-over-fears-for-wildlife#:%7E:text=Bromadiolone%20is%20only%20approved%20for,owl%20and%20threatened%20eagle%20populations.">rodenticide bromadiolone</a>. This poison is known to have cumulative impacts across food chains, particularly to predators such as owls. Its proposed use was ultimately quashed by the <a href="https://apvma.gov.au/node/86021">Commonwealth regulatory agency, largely because of such concerns</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/mouse-plague-bromadiolone-will-obliterate-mice-but-itll-poison-eagles-snakes-and-owls-too-160995">Mouse plague: bromadiolone will obliterate mice, but it'll poison eagles, snakes and owls, too</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Ironically, the loss of owls and other predators, through unintended poisoning, may exacerbate the problem of hyper-abundant rodents. An alternative approach to rodent control can be seen in parts of Australia where artificial hunting perches and nest boxes have been placed in cropping areas to encourage owls, increasing <a href="https://sugarresearch.com.au/sugar_files/2017/02/B14023-F.pdf">their density</a>. Ackerman reports a single owl family can kill 8,000 rodents each year.</p>
<p>Like many other Australian birds and mammals, owls are dependent upon tree hollows for nesting, and this resource is rapidly diminishing because of habitat destruction, logging, wildfire and competitive pressure from some birds such as rainbow lorikeets and white cockatoos.</p>
<p>The problem will get worse, given that hollows form so slowly in Australian trees – typically it may take at least 100 years for eucalypts to form hollows big enough for large owls. Such a time span is increasingly out of step with the rapidity with which we are changing, diminishing and degrading our natural environments.</p>
<p>But we are still blessed with owls. Australia’s largest and most impressive owl, the powerful owl, has stealthily <a href="https://birdlife.org.au/projects/powerful-owl-project/">re-invaded some of our largest cities</a>. This has brought a fierce wildness to suburbia – and small urban populations have proven remarkably resilient, provided patches of bushland are retained and protected. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540114/original/file-20230731-239891-8s27vs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540114/original/file-20230731-239891-8s27vs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/540114/original/file-20230731-239891-8s27vs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540114/original/file-20230731-239891-8s27vs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540114/original/file-20230731-239891-8s27vs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540114/original/file-20230731-239891-8s27vs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540114/original/file-20230731-239891-8s27vs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/540114/original/file-20230731-239891-8s27vs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A powerful owl chick in Kinglake National Park.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Parks Victoria/AAP</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In another sign of hope, and of our care for owls, we have also ensured the survival and partial recovery of the population of Norfolk Island moreporks which had been reduced to a <a href="http://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/050905AC4F74FEF4881002FC1F12A0C1/S0959270900001313a.pdf/div-class-title-re-establishment-of-an-endangered-subspecies-the-norfolk-island-boobook-owl-span-class-italic-ninox-novaeseelandiae-undulata-span-div.pdf">lone female in 1986</a>.</p>
<p>These two books guide us expertly into the mystery of owls, allowing us to be further inspired by such wonderful birds.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/209498/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>John Woinarski does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Owls are masterpieces of adaption, having honed their expertise as night predators over millions of years. Two new books delve into the world of these birds and the battle to protect certain species.John Woinarski, Professor of Conservation Biology, Charles Darwin UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2006882023-02-27T16:12:05Z2023-02-27T16:12:05ZBiologists discovered a new species of tiny owl on the forested island of Príncipe, and it’s already under threat – podcast<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/512270/original/file-20230224-2111-9wdxqw.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=251%2C574%2C2640%2C1976&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Research suggests that only about 1,000 to 1,500 Príncipe scops owls exist in the wild.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Martim Melo</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>An international team of biologists has discovered a tiny new species of owl, called the Príncipe scops owl, living in a remote forest on an island off the west coast of Africa. In this Discovery episode of The Conversation Weekly, we speak with <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=h9Op3tMAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra">Bárbara Freitas</a>, a Ph.D. fellow who studies bird evolution at the National Museum of Natural Sciences in Madrid. She was on the team that discovered the Príncipe scops owl and talks about how her team discovered this new species and the threats it is already facing.</p>
<iframe src="https://embed.acast.com/60087127b9687759d637bade/63fc94c88ab4310010afe386" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="190px"></iframe>
<p><iframe id="tc-infographic-561" class="tc-infographic" height="100" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/infographics/561/4fbbd099d631750693d02bac632430b71b37cd5f/site/index.html" width="100%" style="border: none" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>Príncipe is a tiny island in the Gulf of Guinea, about 200 miles (320 kilometers) west of Gabon. There is a small town on the north side of the island, but the southern half is mountainous, with dense jungle, and completely uninhabited. In 1998, a biologist named <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=wd2KvvQAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra">Martim Melo</a> was on a trip to Príncipe when he started hearing rumors of a mysterious bird that had been scaring local parrot harvesters. </p>
<p>“Instead of finding the parrot chicks, they found a weird bird with such big eyes that they didn’t know what they were looking at,” explains Freitas. Melo was able to get an audio recording of what he believed to be this mystery bird but wasn’t able to see one. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/512268/original/file-20230224-2390-cyf9s8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="An aerial photo of a heavily forested, mountainous island." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/512268/original/file-20230224-2390-cyf9s8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/512268/original/file-20230224-2390-cyf9s8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/512268/original/file-20230224-2390-cyf9s8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/512268/original/file-20230224-2390-cyf9s8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/512268/original/file-20230224-2390-cyf9s8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/512268/original/file-20230224-2390-cyf9s8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/512268/original/file-20230224-2390-cyf9s8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The southern half of Príncipe island is remote, rugged and covered in dense, old growth forest.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Alexandre Vaz</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Almost two decades later, in 2016, a Belgian bird watcher with a penchant for owls went down to Príncipe and snapped a photo of a small owl that appeared to confirm the rumors Melo had heard. With these pieces of evidence, Freitas and Melo flew to Príncipe in 2018 to try to track down this owl.</p>
<p>They needed to catch an owl to confirm if it was indeed a new species, and they were planning to do so by playing the recording Melo had taken 20 years prior. Freitas and Melo would walk into the jungle and play the recording, hoping that if other owls were nearby, “they listen to the song and they are attracted to it,” Freitas explains. “This is because they are territorial, so they come to defend their territory.”</p>
<p>Freitas and Melo, with the help of a local park ranger named Ceciliano do Bom Jesus, who goes by Bikegila, traveled to the southern part of the island. And as Freitas tells it, before they even began playing recordings, the owl made itself known.</p>
<p>“We were setting up the camp, putting up the sleeping nets and waiting for it to get dark. And then suddenly, we started to hear the owl,” she says.</p>
<p>To hear how Freitas, Melo and Bikegila <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-discovered-a-new-species-of-owl-but-we-already-think-its-in-danger-193996">captured and described the first specimens of the Príncipe scops owl</a>, what these owls sound like and how this <a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270922000429">newly discovered species</a> is already threatened by human development, tune in to this Discovery episode of The Conversation Weekly.</p>
<hr>
<p>This episode was written and produced by Katie Flood and hosted by Dan Merino. The interim executive producer is Mend Mariwany. Eloise Stevens does our sound design, and our theme music is by Neeta Sarl.</p>
<p>You can find us on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/TC_Audio">@TC_Audio</a>, on Instagram at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theconversationdotcom/">theconversationdotcom</a> or <a href="mailto:podcast@theconversation.com">via email</a>. You can also sign up to The Conversation’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/newsletter">free daily email here</a>. A transcript of this episode will be available soon.</p>
<p>Listen to “The Conversation Weekly” via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our <a href="https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/60087127b9687759d637bade">RSS feed</a> or find out <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-listen-to-the-conversations-podcasts-154131">how else to listen here</a>.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/200688/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Barbara Freitas receives funding from FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, Portugal. Forever Príncipe Conservation Alliance (from Africa’s Eden), National Geographic Society (Early career grant - EC-364C-18),</span></em></p>A local legend of a mysterious bird with big eyes grew into the discovery of the Príncipe scops owl. A biologist on the team tells the story of finding and cataloging this new species.Daniel Merino, Associate Science Editor & Co-Host of The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The ConversationLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1955932022-12-30T08:27:09Z2022-12-30T08:27:09ZFive human technologies inspired by nature – from velcro to racing cars<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/500467/original/file-20221212-114007-p3m533.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C3055%2C2024&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Many of humanity's innovations have taken inspiration from the natural world.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/great-white-shark-carcharodon-carcharias-surface-1706225779">Alessandro De Maddalena/Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Nature has, over millions of years, evolved solutions to adapt to an array of challenges. As the challenges facing humanity become more complex, we are seeing inspiration being increasingly drawn from nature. </p>
<p>Taking biological processes and applying them to technological and design problems is called <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/bioinspiration">bioinspiration</a>. This is a fast-growing field, and our ability to copy nature is becoming more sophisticated. Here are five striking examples where nature has guided human innovation – and in some cases, could lead to even more exciting breakthroughs. </p>
<h2>1. Navigation</h2>
<p>Using <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bats/echolocation.htm">echolocation</a>, bats are able to fly in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128093245210316">complete darkness</a>. They emit sound and ultrasound waves, then monitor the time and magnitude of these waves’ reflections to create <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1071581907000833">three-dimensional spatial maps</a> of their surroundings. </p>
<p>The sensors that identify obstacles when reversing in many modern cars are <a href="https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/tb/pub/features/articles/36374">inspired</a> by bat navigation. The direction and distance of an obstacle is calculated by emitting ultrasound waves which reflect off objects in a car’s path.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/498452/original/file-20221201-6347-cjueta.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/498452/original/file-20221201-6347-cjueta.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=429&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498452/original/file-20221201-6347-cjueta.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=429&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498452/original/file-20221201-6347-cjueta.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=429&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498452/original/file-20221201-6347-cjueta.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=539&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498452/original/file-20221201-6347-cjueta.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=539&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498452/original/file-20221201-6347-cjueta.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=539&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The echolocation concept has been adopted by many technologies in modern life, Amin Al-Habaibeh, Author provided.</span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Sensory navigation technologies have also been <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877050915031312">proposed</a> to improve the safety of those with restricted vision. Ultrasound sensors installed on the human body would offer sound-based feedback of a person’s surroundings. This would allow them to move more freely by eliminating the threat of obstacles.</p>
<h2>2. Construction equipment</h2>
<p>Woodpeckers <a href="https://www.batzner.com/resources/blog-posts/why-woodpeckers-peck-and-prevent-them-from-pecking-your-house/#:%7E:text=They%20peck%20at%20wood%20to,is%20attached%20to%20a%20building.">knock</a> on the hard surface of trees to forage for food, build nests and attract a mate. Construction tools, such as handheld hydraulic and pneumatic hammers, mimic the <a href="https://apologeticspress.org/the-jackhammer-in-your-backyard-2315/">vibrating bill of a woodpecker</a> using a frequency roughly equivalent to a woodpecker’s hammering (<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1672652914600457">20 to 25 Hz</a>). </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="A woodpecker feeding chicks in its nest in a hole of a tree." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/499263/original/file-20221206-25-zf8fph.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/499263/original/file-20221206-25-zf8fph.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/499263/original/file-20221206-25-zf8fph.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/499263/original/file-20221206-25-zf8fph.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/499263/original/file-20221206-25-zf8fph.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/499263/original/file-20221206-25-zf8fph.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/499263/original/file-20221206-25-zf8fph.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Woodpeckers knock on the hard surface of trees to forage for food, build nests and attract a mate.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/great-spotted-woodpecker-dendrocopos-major-perched-2060062277">Vaclav Matous/Shutterstock</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>But the vibration of these power tools can damage the hands of construction workers. This can, in some cases, cause <a href="https://www.hse.gov.uk/mvr/topics/vibration.htm">vibration white finger</a>, a condition where sufferers experience permanent numbness and pain in their hands and arms. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960982222009964">Research</a> is now studying how woodpeckers protect their brains from the impact of repeated drilling. One <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S175161611830688X?via%3Dihub">study</a> found that woodpeckers have several impact-absorbing adaptions that other birds do not have. </p>
<p>Their skull is adapted to be tough and hard, and their tongue wraps around the back of the skull and anchors between their eyes. This protects a woodpecker’s brain by softening the impact of the hammering and its vibrations.</p>
<p>Research such as this is guiding the design of <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/22/10584/htm">shock absorbers and vibration control devices</a> to protect the users of such equipment. The same concept has also inspired innovations such as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214785319341987">layered shock-absorbing structures</a> for building design.</p>
<h2>3. Building design</h2>
<p>Scallops are molluscs with a fan-shaped, corrugated external shell. The zig-zag shape of these <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/corrugated-sheet">corrugations</a> strengthens the shell’s structure, enabling it to withstand high pressure under water.</p>
<p>The same process is used to increase the strength of a cardboard box, with corrugated paper material being glued between the two external cardboard layers. The introduction of a corrugated surface significantly increases a material’s strength, in the same way that folding a piece of paper into a zig-zag shape allows it to take an additional load.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/498782/original/file-20221204-55844-i0v9vg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/498782/original/file-20221204-55844-i0v9vg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=350&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498782/original/file-20221204-55844-i0v9vg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=350&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498782/original/file-20221204-55844-i0v9vg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=350&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498782/original/file-20221204-55844-i0v9vg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=440&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498782/original/file-20221204-55844-i0v9vg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=440&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498782/original/file-20221204-55844-i0v9vg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=440&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A folded piece of paper in a zig-zag shape could withstand heavy load. Amin Al-Habaibeh, Author provided.</span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The dome-shaped structure of a scallop’s shell also enables it to withstand significant loads. This structure is self-supporting as it distributes the weight evenly over the entire dome shape, reducing the load on a single point. This improves the structure’s stability without the need for reinforcing steel beams and has inspired the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378778821003182">design of many buildings</a>, including St Paul’s Cathedral in London. </p>
<h2>4. Transport aerodynamics</h2>
<p>Sharks have two dorsal fins which provide several aerodynamic advantages. They <a href="https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/sharks/anatomy/fins-swimming/#:%7E:text=Dorsal%20fins%20stabilize%20the%20shark,and%20helping%20to%20conserve%20energy.">stabilise the shark</a> from rolling, while their aerofoil shape creates an area of low turbulence behind them and so increases the efficiency of the shark’s forward movement. </p>
<p>Shark fins have been replicated in motorised transportation. For example, racing cars use fins to both reduce turbulence when travelling at high speed and <a href="https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/a28497386/shark-fin-race-car-wing-explained/">improve stability</a> when cornering. </p>
<p>Many road cars now have a small “shark fin” installed on their roof, which is used to integrate their <a href="https://natalexauto.com/blogs/natalex-auto-blog/what-is-the-shark-fin-on-the-roof-of-a-car">radio antenna</a>. This reduces drag compared to the traditional pole antenna.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/498796/original/file-20221204-55991-d268zz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/498796/original/file-20221204-55991-d268zz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=336&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498796/original/file-20221204-55991-d268zz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=336&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498796/original/file-20221204-55991-d268zz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=336&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498796/original/file-20221204-55991-d268zz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=423&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498796/original/file-20221204-55991-d268zz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=423&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498796/original/file-20221204-55991-d268zz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=423&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Shark-fin antenna in a modern car. Amin Al-Habaibeh. Author provided.</span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We have also taken inspiration from nature to increase the efficiency of aircraft flight. An owl’s wings act as a <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2020.1748">suspension system</a>; by changing the position, shape and angle of their wings, they are able to <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2020.1748">reduce the effect</a> of turbulence while in flight. And <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/science-and-technology/2021/03/owl-wings-may-hold-the-key-to-turbulence-proof-planes">research</a> into owl flight may open the door to turbulence-free air travel in the future.</p>
<h2>5. Velcro</h2>
<p>The hook-and-loop <a href="https://www.velcro.co.uk/blog/2018/06/how-do-velcro-brand-fasteners-work/#:%7E:text=Hook%20and%20loop%20fasteners%20have,and%20loop%20fastener%20will%20be.">fastening mechanism</a> of <a href="https://www.velcro.com/news-and-blog/2016/11/an-idea-that-stuck-how-george-de-mestral-invented-the-velcro-fastener/">velcro</a> was inspired by the ability of the burrs of burdock plants to fasten to human clothing.</p>
<p>Plants use burrs to <a href="https://homeguides.sfgate.com/plants-burrs-26416.html">attach seed pods</a> to passing animals and people, in order to disperse seeds over wider areas. Burrs possess small hooks that interlock with the small loops in soft material.</p>
<p>Velcro replicates this by using a strip lined with hooks together with a fabric strip. When pressed together, the hooks attach to the loops and fasten to one another. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/498799/original/file-20221204-25475-ps5jqg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/498799/original/file-20221204-25475-ps5jqg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=244&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498799/original/file-20221204-25475-ps5jqg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=244&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498799/original/file-20221204-25475-ps5jqg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=244&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498799/original/file-20221204-25475-ps5jqg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=307&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498799/original/file-20221204-25475-ps5jqg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=307&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/498799/original/file-20221204-25475-ps5jqg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=307&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Hook and Loop structure under the microscope. Amin Al-Habaibeh, Author provided.</span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Velcro is used in a wide range of products worldwide. According to <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/offices/ipp/home/myth_tang.html#:%7E:text=Velcro%20was%20used%20during%20the,associated%20with%20the%20Space%20Program.">Nasa</a>, it was used in space during the Apollo missions from 1961 to 1972 to fix equipment in place in zero gravity.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/195593/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Amin Al-Habaibeh does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Humans often look to nature for the solutions to complex problems – here are five times where biological processes have inspired innovation.Amin Al-Habaibeh, Professor of Intelligent Engineering Systems, Nottingham Trent UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1939962022-11-24T08:19:31Z2022-11-24T08:19:31ZWe discovered a new species of owl – but we already think it’s in danger<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496157/original/file-20221118-11-3hmo7a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=3%2C6%2C2130%2C1596&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">'Otus bikegila', the new species of owl discovered in Central Africa.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Martim Melo</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>As part of an international team of scientists we have confirmed a new species of owl after decades of speculation that it exists on Príncipe Island, part of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe in central Africa.</p>
<p>The existence of the owl was first confirmed in 2016 by a photo taken by Philippe Verbelen. However, testimonies from local people suggest they’ve suspected that the owl existed since as long ago as 1928 – it was just rarely spotted.</p>
<p>Now, we’ve described the owl in the open-access journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1126.87635"><em>ZooKeys</em></a> based on multiple lines of evidence. These included morphology, plumage colour and pattern, vocalisations and genetics. Because these characteristics are different from the other scops-owls, we showed that this owl is in fact a new species. </p>
<p>The bird is now officially known as the Príncipe scops-owl, or <em>Otus bikegila</em>.</p>
<h2>Hidden owls</h2>
<p><em>Otus</em> is the generic name given to a group of small owls sharing a common history, commonly called scops-owls. They are found across Eurasia and Africa, and include such widespread species as the Eurasian scops-owl (<em>Otus scops</em>) and the African scops-owl (<em>Otus senegalensis</em>).</p>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496155/original/file-20221118-16-psgdmc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496155/original/file-20221118-16-psgdmc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496155/original/file-20221118-16-psgdmc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=717&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496155/original/file-20221118-16-psgdmc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=717&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496155/original/file-20221118-16-psgdmc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=717&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496155/original/file-20221118-16-psgdmc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=901&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496155/original/file-20221118-16-psgdmc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=901&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496155/original/file-20221118-16-psgdmc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=901&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Ceciliano do Bom Jesus, nicknamed Bikegila.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Martim Melo</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The species epithet <em>bikegila</em> was chosen in homage of Ceciliano do Bom Jesus, nicknamed Bikegila – a former parrot breeder from Príncipe Island and now a ranger in Príncipe’s nature reserves. The discovery of the Príncipe scops-owl was only possible thanks to the local knowledge shared by Bikegila and by his unflinching efforts to solve the long-term mystery of whether the owl existed. As such, the name is also meant as an acknowledgement to local field assistants, all over the world, who often play a major role in the discovery of new species and sites for science.</p>
<p><em>Otus bikegila</em> has a unique call – a short “tuu” note, repeated at a fast rate of about one note per second, reminiscent of insect calls. It is often emitted in duets, almost as soon as the night has fallen. This call was one of the main clues that led to its discovery.</p>
<p><audio preload="metadata" controls="controls" data-duration="220" data-image="" data-title="Otus bikegila's unique call." data-size="6514733" data-source="" data-source-url="" data-license="Author provided" data-license-url="">
<source src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/audio/2697/otus-bikegila-long-martimmelo-28july18-03.mp3" type="audio/mpeg">
</audio>
<div class="audio-player-caption">
Otus bikegila’s unique call.
<span class="attribution"><span class="license">Author provided</span><span class="download"><span>6,21 MB</span> <a target="_blank" href="https://cdn.theconversation.com/audio/2697/otus-bikegila-long-martimmelo-28july18-03.mp3">(download)</a></span></span>
</div></p>
<p>Even though the Príncipe scops-owl has only now been described by science, genetic data indicates that it descends from the very first scops-owl species that colonised the Gulf of Guinea archipelago. Although it may seem odd for a bird species to remain undiscovered for science for so long on such a small island, this is by no means an isolated case when it comes to owls. For example, the Anjouan scops-owl was rediscovered in 1992, 106 years after its last observation, on Anjouan Island (also known as Ndzuani) in the Comoro Archipelago. The Flores scops-owl was rediscovered in 1994 – 98 years after it was last reportedly sighted.</p>
<h2>Príncipe, land of birds</h2>
<p>The Príncipe scops-owl is the eighth known species of bird endemic to Príncipe - meaning that they occur nowhere else on Earth. This unusually high level of bird endemism on an island of only 139 km2 highlights the global conservation importance of Príncipe. Additionally, Príncipe shares another three endemic species with the neighbouring islands of São Tomé and Annobón.</p>
<p>We surveyed the entire Príncipe Island to determine the distribution and population size of the new species. Results, published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270922000429"><em>Bird Conservation International</em></a>, show that this new scops-owl is found only in the remaining old-growth native forest of Príncipe. These are now confined to the uninhabited southern part of the island. There, it occupies an area of about 15 km2, apparently due to a preference for lower elevations. In this small area (about four times the size of Central Park), the densities of the owl are relatively high, with the population estimated at around 1,000-1,500 individuals. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496156/original/file-20221118-16-tigpzo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496156/original/file-20221118-16-tigpzo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496156/original/file-20221118-16-tigpzo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=264&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496156/original/file-20221118-16-tigpzo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=264&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496156/original/file-20221118-16-tigpzo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=264&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496156/original/file-20221118-16-tigpzo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=332&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496156/original/file-20221118-16-tigpzo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=332&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496156/original/file-20221118-16-tigpzo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=332&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Príncipe South.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Jean De Villiers</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Nevertheless, because all individuals of the species occur in this single and very small location (of which a part will be affected in the near future by the construction of a small hydro-electric dam), we have proposed that the species should be classified as “critically endangered” – the highest threat level on the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/">International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List</a>. The organisation is still to evaluate this recommendation.</p>
<h2>Critically endangered species</h2>
<p>The discovery of a new species that is immediately evaluated as highly threatened illustrates all too well the current biodiversity predicament. On a positive note, the area of occurrence of the Príncipe scops-owl is fully included within the Príncipe Obo Natural Park, which will hopefully help secure its protection.</p>
<p>Monitoring the population will be essential to get more precise estimates of its size and follow its trends. Surveying nocturnal species in remote and difficult terrain is riddled with many logistics and funding challenges. To overcome these difficulties, we designed and successfully tested a <a href="https://osf.io/mfubj/">survey protocol</a> which uses automatic recording units placed around their habitat. Artificial intelligence will be used to retrieve the owl calls from the thousands of hours of recordings that will be produced.</p>
<figure class="align-left zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496158/original/file-20221118-15-2ck7y4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496158/original/file-20221118-15-2ck7y4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/496158/original/file-20221118-15-2ck7y4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=771&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496158/original/file-20221118-15-2ck7y4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=771&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496158/original/file-20221118-15-2ck7y4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=771&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496158/original/file-20221118-15-2ck7y4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=969&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496158/original/file-20221118-15-2ck7y4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=969&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/496158/original/file-20221118-15-2ck7y4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=969&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Drawing of <em>Otus bikegila</em>.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Marco Correia</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Birds are the most studied animal group so the discovery of a new bird species in the 21st century is really something to celebrate. But it also underscores the importance of field-based explorations aiming to find what may soon no longer exist. It also shows how curiosity-driven endeavours are more likely to succeed when coupled with local ecological knowledge, the participation of keen amateur naturalists and persistence.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/193996/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Bárbara Freitas receives funding from FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, Portugal. Forever Príncipe Conservation Alliance (from Africa’s Eden), National Geographic Society (Early career grant - EC-364C-18), </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Angelica Crottini receives funding from FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, Portugal (2020.00823.CEECIND/CP1601/CT0003)</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Martim Melo receives funding from FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT/MCTES - SFRH/BPD/100614/2014) para este estudio. Actualmente recebe fondos de Associação BIOPOLIS, Portugal y Horizon 2020 (grant agreement nº 854248). Forever Príncipe Conservation Alliance (from Africa’s Eden) has supported this study.</span></em></p>At the beginning there was an unknown noise… Decades later, we discovered a new species of owl.Bárbara Freitas, PhD candidate in Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC)Angelica Crottini, Researcher, Universidade do PortoMartim Melo, Researcher in Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do PortoLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1554792021-02-28T19:06:11Z2021-02-28T19:06:11ZLook up! A powerful owl could be sleeping in your backyard after a night surveying kilometres of territory<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/386611/original/file-20210226-19-fbdwna.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C29%2C3976%2C2964&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Nick Bradsworth</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Picture this: you’re in your backyard gardening when you get that strange, ominous feeling of being watched. You find a grey oval-shaped ball about the size of a thumb, filled with bones and fur — a pellet, or “owl vomit”. </p>
<p>You look up and see the bright “surprised” eyes of a powerful owl staring back at you, with half a possum in its talons. </p>
<p>This may be becoming a familiar story for many Australians. We strapped tracking devices to 20 powerful owls in Melbourne for our <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01494">new research</a>, and learned these apex predators are increasingly choosing to sleep in urban areas, from backyard trees to city parks.</p>
<p>These respite areas are critical for species to survive in challenging urban environments because, just like for humans, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2008.02.001">rest is an essential behaviour</a> to conserve energy for the day (or night) ahead. </p>
<p>Our research highlights the importance of trees on both public and private land for wild animals. Without an understanding of where urban wildlife rests, we risk damaging these urban habitats with encroaching development. </p>
<h2>One owl, one year, 300 possums</h2>
<p>Powerful owls are Australia’s largest, measuring 65 centimetres from head to tail and weighing a hefty 1.6 kilograms. They’re found in Australia’s <a href="https://www.birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/powerful-owl">eastern states</a>, except for Tasmania.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="Powerful owl with half a common ringtail possum" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/386597/original/file-20210226-15-1w0mjri.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/386597/original/file-20210226-15-1w0mjri.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=900&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/386597/original/file-20210226-15-1w0mjri.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=900&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/386597/original/file-20210226-15-1w0mjri.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=900&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/386597/original/file-20210226-15-1w0mjri.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1131&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/386597/original/file-20210226-15-1w0mjri.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1131&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/386597/original/file-20210226-15-1w0mjri.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1131&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Powerful owl at roost with half a common ringtail possum (probably saving it for later).</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Nick Bradsworth</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>These owls have <a href="https://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=US201300483075">traditionally been thought</a> to live only in large old-growth forested areas. However, Victoria has lost over <a href="https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/32882/Powerful_Owl_Ninox_strenua.pdf">65% of forest cover</a> since European settlement, and because of this habitat loss, the owls are <a href="https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/conserving-threatened-species/threatened-list">listed as threatened in Victoria</a>.</p>
<p>Their remaining habitat is extremely fragmented. This means we’re finding owls in interesting places — from <a href="https://doi.org/10.1071/MU06055">dry, open woodland</a> to our major east coast cities. This is likely <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/238069344_Conservation_management_and_diets_of_powerful_owls_Ninox_strenua_in_outer_urban_Melbourne_Australia">due to the high numbers of prey</a>, such as possums, that thrive alongside exotic garden trees and house roofs. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/dont-disturb-the-cockatoos-on-your-lawn-theyre-probably-doing-all-your-weeding-for-free-154265">Don't disturb the cockatoos on your lawn, they're probably doing all your weeding for free</a>
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<p>Powerful owls usually eat one possum per night, or 250-300 possums per year — mostly <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/wr/WR05058">common ringtail and brushtail possums</a> in Melbourne. They’re often <a href="https://academic.oup.com/biolinnean/article/95/2/284/2701136">seen holding prey at their roosting spots</a>, where they’ll finish eating in the evening for breakfast. </p>
<p>This has <a href="http://doi.org/10.1126/science.1241484">ecosystem-wide benefits</a>, as powerful owls can help keep overabundant possums in check. Too many possums can strip away vegetation, causing it to die back, which stops other wildlife from nesting or finding shelter.</p>
<h2>Tracking their nocturnal haunts</h2>
<p>But powerful owls are extremely <a href="http://doi.org/10.1071/WR16185">elusive</a>. With low populations, locating owls and researching their requirements is very difficult. </p>
<p>So, to help narrow down the general areas where powerful owls live in Melbourne, we used <a href="http://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2017.06.039">species distribution models</a> and sought help from land management agencies and <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-rise-of-citizen-science-is-great-news-for-our-native-wildlife-63866">citizen scientists</a>.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1288698610473791488"}"></div></p>
<p>Over five years, we deployed GPS devices on 20 Melburnian owls to find how they use urban environments. These devices automatically record where the owls move at night and rest during the day.</p>
<p>We learned they fly, on average, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00532">4.4 kilometers per night</a> through golf courses, farms, reserves and backyards looking for dinner and defending their territory. One owl along the Mornington Peninsula travelled 47 km over two nights (possibly in search of a mate). Another urban owl called several golf courses in the Melbourne suburb of Alphington home.</p>
<h2>Choosing where to sleep</h2>
<p>After their nightly adventures, the owls usually return to a number of regular roosting (resting) spots, sometimes on the exact same branch. The powerful owl chooses roosts that protect them against being mobbed by aggressive daytime birds, such as the noisy miner and pied currawong. </p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2zVOLwtvuLc?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">A powerful owl showing defensive behaviour towards nearby pied currawongs trying to mob it.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We found the owls used 32 different tree species to roost in: 23 were native, and nine were exotic, including pine and willow trees. This shows powerful owls can adapt to use a range of species to fit their roosting requirements, such as thick foliage to hide in during the day. </p>
<p>Owls will <a href="http://dro.deakin.edu.au/view/DU:30001535">generally roost</a> in damp, dark areas during summer, and in open roosts in full or dappled sunlight during winter to help regulate their body temperature.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/urban-owls-are-losing-their-homes-so-were-3d-printing-them-new-ones-133626">Urban owls are losing their homes. So we're 3D printing them new ones</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Our research also shows rivers in urban environments are just as important as trees for roosting habitat. </p>
<p><a href="http://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2006.01.006">Rivers are naturally home</a> to a diverse range of wildlife. Using trees near rivers to rest in may be a strategic decision to reduce time and energy when travelling at night to find other resources, such as prey, mates and nests. </p>
<p>Rivers that constantly flow, such as the Yarra River, are a particular favourite for the owls.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="A powerful owl surrounded by leaves" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/385198/original/file-20210219-18-so6i8j.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/385198/original/file-20210219-18-so6i8j.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=900&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/385198/original/file-20210219-18-so6i8j.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=900&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/385198/original/file-20210219-18-so6i8j.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=900&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/385198/original/file-20210219-18-so6i8j.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1131&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/385198/original/file-20210219-18-so6i8j.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1131&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/385198/original/file-20210219-18-so6i8j.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1131&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Powerful owl at roost among dense <em>Kunzea</em> vegetation.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Nick Bradsworth</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>The urban roost risk</h2>
<p>These resting habitats, however, are under constant pressure by urban expansion and agriculture. Suitable roosting habitat is either removed, or degraded in quality and converted to housing, roads, grass cover or bare soil.</p>
<p>We found potentially suitable roosting habitat in Melbourne is extremely fragmented, covering just 10% of the landscape because owls are very selective about where they sleep. </p>
<p>Although there might be the odd suitable patch (or tree) to roost in urban environments, what’s often lacking is natural connectivity between patches. While owls are nocturnal, they still need places to rest in the night before they settle down in another spot to sleep for the day. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="A pair of powerful owls with beady eyes sitting at their roost" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/385197/original/file-20210219-16-1vxiszg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/385197/original/file-20210219-16-1vxiszg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/385197/original/file-20210219-16-1vxiszg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/385197/original/file-20210219-16-1vxiszg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/385197/original/file-20210219-16-1vxiszg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/385197/original/file-20210219-16-1vxiszg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/385197/original/file-20210219-16-1vxiszg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The classic ‘surprised’ powerful owl expression at a roost.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Nick Bradsworth</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Supplementing habitat with more trees on private property and enhancing the quality of habitat along river systems may encourage owls to roost in other areas of Melbourne.</p>
<p>Powerful owls don’t discriminate between private land and reserves for roosting. So conserving and enhancing resting habitats on public and private land will enable urban wildlife to persist alongside expanding and intensifying urbanisation. </p>
<h2>So what can you do to help?</h2>
<p>If you want powerful owls to roost in your backyard, visit your local indigenous nursery and ask about trees local to your area. </p>
<p>Several favourite roost trees in Melbourne include many Eucalyptus species and wattles. If you don’t have the space for a large tree, they will also roost in the shorter, dense <em>Kunzea</em> and swamp paperbark (<em>Melaleuca ericifolia</em>).</p>
<p>Planting them will provide additional habitat and, if you are lucky, your neighbourhood owls may even decide to settle in for the day and have a snooze.</p>
<hr>
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<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/hard-to-spot-but-worth-looking-out-for-8-surprising-tawny-frogmouth-facts-146484">Hard to spot, but worth looking out for: 8 surprising tawny frogmouth facts</a>
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</p>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/155479/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Nick Bradsworth is a member of BirdLife Australia.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>John White and Raylene Cooke do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Researchers strapped tracking devices to 20 powerful owls in Melbourne and learned these apex predators are increasingly choosing to sleep in urban areas, from backyard trees to golf courses.Nick Bradsworth, PhD Candidate, Deakin UniversityJohn White, Associate Professor in Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Deakin UniversityRaylene Cooke, Associate Professor, Deakin UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1366842020-05-11T17:08:27Z2020-05-11T17:08:27ZHow the wings of owls and hummingbirds inspire drones, wind turbines and other technology<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/331590/original/file-20200429-51470-sxl6ts.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=16%2C8%2C5542%2C3692&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly sideways and backwards, thanks to an evolutionary feature of their musculoskeletal structure.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Is evolution the best inventor? With hundreds of millions of years of work and the natural world as its canvas, it would seem so. </p>
<p>From the water-retaining camels of the desert to the long-flying albatrosses of the sea, evolution has shaped the abilities of animals to best help them survive and thrive. </p>
<p>My graduate research explores some of evolution’s most impressive inventions, many of which can be found in birds. Specifically, I study bird flight behaviours and how relationships between body mass, wing sizes, species relatedness and other biological traits have evolved to generate the extravagant flight we see in many species. </p>
<p>These inventions are so extraordinary that we study them to apply their design in everyday technology. </p>
<p>Take, for example, the swift and precise flight of a hummingbird that has helped us develop flying devices that are also capable of intricate manoeuvre. Or an owl’s stealthy flight, which has informed the design of silent and efficient wind turbines. In both cases, biomimicry draws inspiration from natural inventions to design and improve upon our current technologies. </p>
<h2>Precise maneuvers</h2>
<p>Hummingbirds are some of the tiniest birds in the world. They possess small, lightweight torsos with relatively large wings that allow them to fly remarkably fast with incredible precision. But many types of birds have large wings, so what sets hummingbirds apart when it comes to their amazing manoeuvrability? </p>
<p>The secret lies within their muscles and bones. </p>
<p>Hummingbirds <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2012.04.057">require large wing muscles to continually flap their wings quickly during flight</a>, known as a high wing beat frequency. High wing beat frequency allows hummingbirds to perform their unique hovering flight, especially during their summer visits to your flowers and backyard feeders. </p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gJ_T_Y1rxHw?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">Slow-motion video of hummingbirds in flight.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Hummingbirds need <a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/88/11/4870.short">large amounts of energy to fly continuously</a> and gather food. Additionally, the adaptation of a long chest bone is the perfect surface needed for wing muscles: the larger the surface of the chest bone, the more muscle can be connected. </p>
<p>In order to hover, hummingbirds flap their wings in the shape of a figure eight. This wing beat style is made possible by <a href="https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2011.2238">continuous “wrist flicks” from their shortened arm bone</a> — a unique characteristic not found in any other bird species. By working together, the muscles and bones of hummingbirds allow for hovering and sideways and backwards flight at <a href="https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2009.0090">speeds that top 50 km/hr</a>.</p>
<p>When scientists looked at how the muscles and bones of hummingbirds come together to generate fast, precise flight in these tiny birds, they became interested in whether these same mechanisms could be engineered. </p>
<p>An example of this inspiration is <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/military-robots/aerovironments-nano-hummingbird-surveillance-bot-would-probably-fool-you">AeroVironment’s Nano Hummingbird, developed as a prototype for the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency</a>. The Nano Hummingbird is a drone device that mimics the flight of hummingbirds to gain an agile, manoeuvrable edge. </p>
<p>These drones can access unreachable locations and gather information via an attached video camera. With more research on hummingbird flight precision and its everyday implications, having drones that can effectively examine natural uncharted territories might happen sooner than previously believed. These drone advancements can be applied to weather monitoring, parcel shipping and even cinematography. </p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i60gFVhJUyg?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">Due to its design and mimicry of hummingbird musculoskeletal structure, the Nano Hummingbird is capable of complicated flight manoeuvre.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Silent flight</h2>
<p>As nighttime predators, owls rely on their silent hunting tactics to successfully capture prey. To take off in flight requires a great amount of lift force to get off the ground, and more energy is needed to stay in the air. Generating this lift force, however, requires owls to flap their large wings. You might think that flapping such large wings would make a ton of noise, defeating the purpose of being stealthy. But does it? </p>
<p>During flight, the movement of a bird’s wings creates turbulence in the air, which makes that familiar flapping sound. However, owls have evolved incredible mechanisms that reduce noise during flight. The secret lies within their feather structures. </p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d_FEaFgJyfA?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">A BBC Earth experiment examining why owls fly so silently.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Owl wings have feathers with sharp edges, called serrations, along their fronts, which are in contact with the air during flight. These <a href="https://doi.org/10.1098/rsfs.2016.0078">serrations break up the air turbulence that normally causes wind noise</a>, reducing the noise generated during flight. As air flows to the back of the wing, fringe-like structures — similar to the fashion trend — at the end of the feathers further reduce noise by quickly and effectively dispersing any turbulence. Paired with gliding flight, these two feather structures strongly contribute to an owl’s quiet hunt. </p>
<p>Taking a page from the silent flight adaptations in owls, researchers are attempting to use similar turbulence-disrupting structures to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-3190/aa7013">reduce the noise produced by wind turbines and fans and improve their efficiency</a>. </p>
<p>Applying the owl’s silent feather adaptations to modern turbine technology promises more efficient conversion of wind energy, and highlights how effective it can be to integrate our natural and technological worlds. </p>
<h2>Scratching the surface</h2>
<p>The adaptations of hummingbird and owl flight only scratch the surface of nature’s inventions. Additional forms of biomimicry can be found in concussion-preventing technologies inspired by woodpeckers, train designs shaped from the beaks of kingfishers and laser technology influenced by the architecture of colourful bird feathers. </p>
<p>It is clear to see how nature has inspired advancements in technology, and the importance of continuing exploration of these wonderful natural systems on Earth.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/136684/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ilias Berberi does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Studying bird evolution has led to engineering innovations, including drones that can fly sideways and backwards, and silent wind turbines.Ilias Berberi, PhD Student, Biology, Carleton UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1336262020-03-23T19:04:55Z2020-03-23T19:04:55ZUrban owls are losing their homes. So we’re 3D printing them new ones<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322260/original/file-20200323-112677-5uc34d.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=38%2C17%2C2803%2C1580&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Nick Bradsworth</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Native to southeastern Australia, the powerful owl (<em>Ninox strenua</em>) is <a href="https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/conserving-threatened-species/threatened-list">threatened</a> and facing the prospect of homelessness. </p>
<p>These birds don’t make nests – they use large hollows in old, tall trees. But humans <a href="https://doi.org/10/gc3d8n">have been removing</a> such trees in the bush and <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0099403">in cities</a>, despite their ecological value. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/to-save-these-threatened-seahorses-we-built-them-5-star-underwater-hotels-130056">To save these threatened seahorses, we built them 5-star underwater hotels</a>
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<p>Owls are lured into cities by abundant prey, with each bird capturing <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/possum-assassins-move-into-town-20030913-gdwc1e.html">hundreds of possums per year</a>. But with nowhere to nest, they <a href="https://www.uppercampaspelandcare.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Powerful-owls-Bronwyn-Isaac-March-2015.pdf">struggle</a> to breed and their population is at risk of declining even further.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322261/original/file-20200323-112707-oeoljh.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322261/original/file-20200323-112707-oeoljh.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322261/original/file-20200323-112707-oeoljh.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322261/original/file-20200323-112707-oeoljh.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322261/original/file-20200323-112707-oeoljh.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322261/original/file-20200323-112707-oeoljh.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322261/original/file-20200323-112707-oeoljh.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322261/original/file-20200323-112707-oeoljh.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Existing artificial nest designs include nesting boxes and carved logs.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Conservationists tried to solve this problem by installing nesting boxes, but to no avail. A <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/290200038_A_powerful_Owl_disperses_into_town_and_uses_an_artificial_nest-box">2011 study</a> in Victoria showed a pair of owls once used such a box, but only one of their two chicks survived. This is the only recorded instance of powerful-owl breeding in an artificial structure. </p>
<p>So as a team of designers and ecologists we’re finding a way to make artificial nests in urban areas more appealing to powerful owls. Surprisingly, the answer lies in termite mounds, augmented reality and 3D printing. </p>
<h2>Bring in the designers</h2>
<p>Nesting boxes aren’t very successful for many species. For example, many boxes installed along expanded <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-plan-to-protect-wildlife-displaced-by-the-hume-highway-has-failed-78087">highways</a> fail to attract animals such as the squirrel glider, the superb parrot and the brown treecreeper. They also tend to disintegrate and become unusable after only a few years. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-plan-to-protect-wildlife-displaced-by-the-hume-highway-has-failed-78087">The plan to protect wildlife displaced by the Hume Highway has failed</a>
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<p>What’s more, flaws in their design can lead to <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322544621_Nest_box_design_for_a_changing_climate_The_value_of_improved_insulation">overheating</a>, death from <a href="https://nestwatch.org/connect/news/to-paint-or-not-to-paint/">toxic fumes</a> such as marine-plywood vapours, or babies unable to grow.</p>
<p>Designers and architects often use computer modelling to mimic <a href="https://www.academia.edu/208933/Towards_Morphogenesis_in_Architecture">nature</a> in building designs, such as Beijing’s <a href="https://www.arup.com/-/media/arup/files/publications/t/arup_journal_1-2009.pdf">bird’s nest</a> stadium.</p>
<p>But to use these skills to help wildlife, we need to understand what they want in a home. And for powerful owls, this means thinking outside the box. </p>
<h2>What powerful owls need</h2>
<p>At a minimum, owl nests must provide enough space to support a mother and two chicks, shelter the inhabitants from rain and heat, and have rough internal surfaces for scratching and climbing.</p>
<p>Traditionally, owls would find all such comforts in large, old, hollow-bearing trees, such as swamp or manna gums <a href="https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/32882/Powerful_Owl_Ninox_strenua.pdf">at least 150 years old</a>. But a <a href="https://www.oferlevyphotography.com/Birds-of-prey/i-j5JMnWs/A">picture</a> from Sydney photographer Ofer Levy, which showed an owl nesting in a tree-bound termite mound, made us realise there was another way. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322262/original/file-20200323-112688-o530b1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322262/original/file-20200323-112688-o530b1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322262/original/file-20200323-112688-o530b1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322262/original/file-20200323-112688-o530b1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322262/original/file-20200323-112688-o530b1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322262/original/file-20200323-112688-o530b1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322262/original/file-20200323-112688-o530b1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322262/original/file-20200323-112688-o530b1.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Owls have been observed using termite mounds in trees for nesting.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Blantyre</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Termite mounds in trees are oddly shaped, but they meet all necessary characteristics for successful breeding. This precedent suggests younger, healthier and more common trees can become potential nesting sites. </p>
<h2>A high-tech home</h2>
<p>To design and create each termite-inspired nest, we first use lasers to model the shape of the target tree. A <a href="https://www.academia.edu/40371565/Modelling_Workflows_for_More-than-Human_Design_Prosthetic_Habitats_for_the_Powerful_Owl_Ninox_strenua_">computer algorithm</a> generates the structure fitting the owls’ requirements. Then, we divide the structure into interlocking blocks that can be conveniently manufactured.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322263/original/file-20200323-112712-tasmfj.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322263/original/file-20200323-112712-tasmfj.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322263/original/file-20200323-112712-tasmfj.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322263/original/file-20200323-112712-tasmfj.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322263/original/file-20200323-112712-tasmfj.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322263/original/file-20200323-112712-tasmfj.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322263/original/file-20200323-112712-tasmfj.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322263/original/file-20200323-112712-tasmfj.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Trees and their surroundings can be scanned by lasers for precise fitting.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>To assemble the nests, we use <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality">augmented-reality</a> headsets, overlaying images of digital models onto physical objects. It sounds like science-fiction, but <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337915977_Holographic_Construction">holographic construction</a> with augmented reality has become an <a href="https://www.boeing.com/features/2018/01/augmented-reality-01-18.page">efficient way to create new structures</a>.</p>
<p>So far, we’ve used <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00107-015-0987-9">3D-printed wood</a> to build one nest at the University of Melbourne’s System Garden. Two more nests made from <a href="https://www.scientific.net/AMR.1041.83">hemp concrete</a> are on the trees in the city of Knox, near the Dandenong Ranges. And we’re exploring other materials such as <a href="https://eartharchitecture.org/">earth</a> or <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095263517300353">fungus</a>.</p>
<p>These materials can be moulded to a unique fit, and as they’re lightweight, we can easily fix them onto trees.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322264/original/file-20200323-112712-f3k3j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322264/original/file-20200323-112712-f3k3j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322264/original/file-20200323-112712-f3k3j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322264/original/file-20200323-112712-f3k3j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322264/original/file-20200323-112712-f3k3j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322264/original/file-20200323-112712-f3k3j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322264/original/file-20200323-112712-f3k3j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322264/original/file-20200323-112712-f3k3j.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">With augmented reality, it is easy to know where to place each block. Right: Views from the augmented reality headset.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>So is it working?</h2>
<p>We are still collecting and analysing the data, but early results are promising. Our nests have important advantages over both traditional nesting boxes and carved logs.</p>
<p>This is, in part, because our artificial nests maintain more stable internal temperatures than nesting boxes and are considerably easier to make and install than carved logs. In other words, our designs already look like a good alternative. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/bandbs-for-birds-and-bees-transform-your-garden-or-balcony-into-a-wildlife-haven-129907">B&Bs for birds and bees: transform your garden or balcony into a wildlife haven</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>And while it’s too early to say if they’ll attract owls, our nests have already been visited or occupied by other animals, such as rainbow lorikeets. </p>
<h2>Future homes for animal clients</h2>
<p>Imagine an ecologist, a park manager or even a local resident who wants to <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/nature-in-the-city-strategy.pdf">boost local biodiversity</a>. In the not-too-distant future, they might select a target species and a suitable tree from an online database. An algorithm could customise their choice of an artificial-nest design to fit the target tree. Remote machines would manufacture the parts and the end user would put the structure together.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322265/original/file-20200323-112694-1i3vv8e.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322265/original/file-20200323-112694-1i3vv8e.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/322265/original/file-20200323-112694-1i3vv8e.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322265/original/file-20200323-112694-1i3vv8e.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322265/original/file-20200323-112694-1i3vv8e.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=337&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322265/original/file-20200323-112694-1i3vv8e.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322265/original/file-20200323-112694-1i3vv8e.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/322265/original/file-20200323-112694-1i3vv8e.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Nests from 3D printed wood are easy to install.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Such workflows are already being used in a variety of fields, such as the custom <a href="https://n-e-r-v-o-u-s.com/">jewellery</a> production and the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2015.914">preparation of dental crowns</a>. It allows informed and automated reuse of scientific and technical knowledge, making advanced designs significantly more accessible.</p>
<p>Our techniques could be used to ease the housing crisis for a wide range of other sites and species, from fire-affected animals to critically endangered wildlife such as the swift parrot or Leadbeater’s possum.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/133626/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Kylie Soanes receives funding from The National Environmental Science Program through the Threatened Species Recovery Hub and the Clean Air and Urban Landscapes Hub. She is a board member of the Greater Melbourne Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology.
</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Bronwyn Isaac, Dan Parker, Nick Bradsworth, Stanislav Roudavski, and Therésa Jones do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Powerful owls need old, hollowed-out trees to nest in, but humans keep chopping them down. Now, designers have partnered up with ecologists to build them high tech artificial nests.Dan Parker, PhD Candidate, The University of MelbourneBronwyn Isaac, Lecturer, Monash UniversityKylie Soanes, Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, The University of MelbourneNick Bradsworth, PhD Candidate, Deakin UniversityStanislav Roudavski, Senior Lecturer in Digital Architectural Design, The University of MelbourneTherésa Jones, Associate Professor in Evolution and Behaviour, The University of MelbourneLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1227962019-09-02T15:15:11Z2019-09-02T15:15:11ZBarn owls reflect moonlight in order to stun their prey<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/290516/original/file-20190902-175714-8g3goq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C11%2C7360%2C4891&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/barn-owl-flight-hunting-black-background-1082537198?src=-1-8">FJAH/Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Ecosystems that are bathed in light during the day change profoundly at night. As the sun fades from the land, nocturnal life emerges, with the barn owl (<em>Tyto alba</em>) among them. Barn owls are iconic nocturnal birds of prey that are found all over the world, often near towns and villages. Although a familiar species to many, there is still much we don’t know about them.</p>
<p>One peculiarity is the difference in plumage colour between different barn owls. Why is it that some have undersides that are completely white while others are dark red? This puzzled scientists for a long time, but finally, we have an answer.</p>
<p>The light conditions in sunlit environments determine how the colour traits of animals evolve, as the composition and quantity of light affects how well an animal is seen by predators or competitors. The stripes of a tiger, for instance, allow this large cat to easily disappear in the dense Indian forest, where the shifting canopy <a href="https://academic.oup.com/beheco/article/28/2/373/2674187">splits light into lines</a>. But how light conditions affect the colouration of nocturnal species is less well understood. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/290513/original/file-20190902-175710-bn2eha.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/290513/original/file-20190902-175710-bn2eha.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=418&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290513/original/file-20190902-175710-bn2eha.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=418&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290513/original/file-20190902-175710-bn2eha.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=418&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290513/original/file-20190902-175710-bn2eha.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=525&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290513/original/file-20190902-175710-bn2eha.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=525&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290513/original/file-20190902-175710-bn2eha.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=525&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">White-chested and red-chested barn owls both hunt rodents at night – but their success depends on the moonlight.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kerkuil_licht_en_donker.jpg">Kerkuil/Wikipedia</a>, <a class="license" href="http://artlibre.org/licence/lal/en">FAL</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The light at night changes according to the lunar cycle. Go out on a night with a new moon in a rural area and you’ll need a torch to see. Do the same on a night with a full moon and you’ll probably have enough light to see without one. How do barn owls deal with these radical changes in light levels from night to night?</p>
<p>We thought they would have a harder time hunting the rodents they need to feed their offspring on moonlit nights. In the bright moonlight, owls should be more easily spotted by prey such as mice. If this was true, hunting on moonlit nights would be even trickier for white owls than for red owls, simply because white is more reflective and therefore more visible in the moonlight than dark red plumage. As it turns out, we couldn’t have been more wrong.</p>
<h2>Blinded by the moonlight</h2>
<p>We’ve been following a Swiss population of barn owls for more than 20 years, monitoring their hunting behaviour with cameras and GPS trackers and recording when they breed each year and how their offspring develop in the nest. By studying this rich data set, we found that barn owls do indeed have a harder time on moonlit nights. They’re less successful hunters and bring less prey to the nest and as they receive less food, their offspring don’t gain as much weight and the youngest have lower chances of surviving and fledging. This was true for red barn owls, but not, surprisingly, for white barn owls. On the contrary, white barn owls seemed to be doing just as well during full moon nights as when there was no moon.</p>
<p>Perplexed, we decided to look at the problem from the perspective of the rodents that barn owls hunt every night. Our experiment investigated how common voles – <a href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2019/01/what-do-owls-eat/">the main prey of barn owls</a> – see and react to white and red owls under full and new moon light conditions. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-019-0967-2">We found</a> that prey detected owls more easily on full moon nights, regardless of what colour they were. We knew when the rodents had detected an owl because they froze. Staying immobile is a common prey behaviour, as they aim to stay undetected and allow the risk to pass. Curiously, on full moon nights and only when facing a white owl instead of a red one, rodents stayed frozen for longer.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/290489/original/file-20190902-175682-1kshq87.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/290489/original/file-20190902-175682-1kshq87.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/290489/original/file-20190902-175682-1kshq87.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290489/original/file-20190902-175682-1kshq87.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290489/original/file-20190902-175682-1kshq87.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290489/original/file-20190902-175682-1kshq87.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290489/original/file-20190902-175682-1kshq87.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/290489/original/file-20190902-175682-1kshq87.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Researchers huddle in the dark to study barn owls mid-hunt.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Jérémy Bierer</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We think voles behave that way when encountering a white owl because they’re scared by bright light reflected from the white plumage. This fear is well ingrained within rodents – medical researchers expose rodents to bright light to measure their fear response and test drugs on them which are designed to treat anxiety. The white plumage of barn owls exploits this fear by reflecting moonlight. This may explain why white plumage – a very rare trait in nocturnal animals – evolved in this species.</p>
<p>This discovery should remind people how important it is to better understand and preserve nocturnal wildlife and the environments they live in. Minimising light pollution and letting the night be as dark as the moon dictates could benefit beautiful barn owls.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/122796/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Almut Kelber receives funding from Lund University, Sweden, the K & A Wallemberg Foundation, Stockholm and the Swedish Research council.. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Alexandre Roulin and Luis Martín San José García do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Scientists have discovered how the wise old barn owl is so good at catching rodents.Almut Kelber, Professor of Biology, Lund UniversityAlexandre Roulin, Professeur, Chercheur Ornitologue, Université de LausanneLuis Martín San José García, Postdoctoral Researcher in Evolutionary Biology, Université de LausanneLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1019322018-08-31T09:40:58Z2018-08-31T09:40:58ZCurious Kids: how do birds see where they’re going?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/234423/original/file-20180831-195310-14ehr2m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=235%2C538%2C4252%2C2940&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/racing-pigeon-poses-front-lens-camera-1091450942?src=AXEtGZkDRdVOgdEATmmYiA-2-11">Shutterstock.</a></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>This is an article from <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/curious-kids-36782">Curious Kids</a>, a series for children of all ages. The Conversation is asking young people to send in questions they’d like an expert to answer. All questions are welcome: find out how to enter at the bottom.</em> </p>
<hr>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>We have eyes on the front of our heads so we can see where we are going, but birds’ eyes are on the side so how do they see where they’re going? – Thomas and Luke, age six, Sussex, UK</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<hr>
<p>Dear Thomas and Luke,</p>
<p>Thanks for your question. First of all, I should mention that not all birds have their eyes on the sides of their heads. Pigeons and parrots do, but other birds, such as owls, have large eyes placed close together at the front of their heads – a bit like ours. </p>
<p>Whether they have eyes at the front or on the sides of their heads, all birds can still see straight ahead. But that doesn’t mean all birds see things in the same way. In fact, where a bird’s eyes are on its head can tell us a lot about how it sees the world. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/234327/original/file-20180830-195298-1iingrq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/234327/original/file-20180830-195298-1iingrq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/234327/original/file-20180830-195298-1iingrq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/234327/original/file-20180830-195298-1iingrq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/234327/original/file-20180830-195298-1iingrq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/234327/original/file-20180830-195298-1iingrq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/234327/original/file-20180830-195298-1iingrq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Eyes to the front, owls!</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Having two eyes means animals can see a three dimensional image of what’s around them. So they can perceive the height, width and depth of an object, as well as how far away it is. </p>
<p>Where a bird’s eyes are on its head affects its field of vision – that’s how much it can see in front and to the side at any one time. Think about how far you can see to either side without turning your head: these are the limits of your own field of vision. </p>
<p>Because owls have eyes at the front of their heads, they have a smaller field of vision – around 150 degrees for a barn owl (though they can turn their heads very far to look around). </p>
<p>Parrots, pigeons and other birds with eyes on the sides of their heads have a much bigger field of vision, of about 300 degrees. Amazingly, this means that they can see in front and a long way to the side, at the same time. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233907/original/file-20180828-86153-4paps.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233907/original/file-20180828-86153-4paps.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=445&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/233907/original/file-20180828-86153-4paps.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=445&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/233907/original/file-20180828-86153-4paps.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=445&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/233907/original/file-20180828-86153-4paps.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=559&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/233907/original/file-20180828-86153-4paps.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=559&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/233907/original/file-20180828-86153-4paps.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=559&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">A ring-necked parakeet with eyes on the side of its head.</span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Where the eyes are placed decides how a bird views its surroundings using different types of vision. Binocular vision means both eyes focus on the same object at the same time, and eye movement is coordinated – this is the kind of vision that predatory birds such as owls rely on most. </p>
<p>Monocular vision means each eye is focused on a different object at any particular moment, and this is normal for parrots and pigeons. Having different kinds of vision helps different kinds of birds survive in the wild.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233912/original/file-20180828-86138-1607sr5.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233912/original/file-20180828-86138-1607sr5.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=321&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/233912/original/file-20180828-86138-1607sr5.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=321&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/233912/original/file-20180828-86138-1607sr5.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=321&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/233912/original/file-20180828-86138-1607sr5.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=403&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/233912/original/file-20180828-86138-1607sr5.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=403&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/233912/original/file-20180828-86138-1607sr5.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=403&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Different birds have different fields of vision.</span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>For parrots and pigeons, having eyes on the sides of their heads is a huge advantage. Having a wider field of vision with only a small blind spot behind them lets these birds see where they are going, while also keeping an eye out for predators which might be trying to sneak up on them. </p>
<p>For predatory raptors such as barn owls, having forward-facing eyes helps them to see depth and distance much more clearly, since both eyes can focus on the same object at the same time. This is perfect for spotting and catching small prey such as field mice. </p>
<p>So though it might seem like birds with eyes on the side of their heads can’t see where they are going, they can see forward and sideways at the same time, and in fact can see much more than those with eyes facing forwards. </p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/165749/original/image-20170419-32713-1kyojyz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/165749/original/image-20170419-32713-1kyojyz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=376&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165749/original/image-20170419-32713-1kyojyz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=376&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165749/original/image-20170419-32713-1kyojyz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=376&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165749/original/image-20170419-32713-1kyojyz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=472&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165749/original/image-20170419-32713-1kyojyz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=472&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165749/original/image-20170419-32713-1kyojyz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=472&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
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<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Hazel Jackson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Not all birds have eyes on the sides of their heads – but even those that do can see straight in front of them.Hazel Jackson, Affiliate, University of KentLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.