Barn owls have exceptionally acute hearing, which is a crucial adaptation for hunting in complete darkness. Their ears are asymmetrically placed on either side of the head, with one ear slightly higher than the other. This configuration allows them to pinpoint the exact location of a sound source by detecting subtle time differences in the arrival of sound waves at each ear. This ability, known as sound localization, is particularly useful for zeroing in on small rustling sounds like those produced by their prey.
Eyes:
Barn owls have large, forward-facing eyes that are adapted for low-light conditions. They possess a specialized layer of cells in their retinas called the tapetum lucidum. The tapetum acts like a mirror, reflecting light back through the retina and enhancing their night vision. Their eyes are also incredibly sensitive to movement, enabling them to detect the slightest twitch of a rodent or small bird in the darkness.
Additionally, barn owls have exceptionally flexible necks that allow them to rotate their heads up to 270 degrees in either direction. This remarkable mobility provides them with an expansive field of vision and further enhances their ability to locate prey by sound.
The combination of their highly sensitive ears and specialized eyes makes barn owls extraordinarily efficient predators, allowing them to hunt effectively in the darkness.