Here's why:
* Ear holes: Birds have openings on the side of their head called external auditory meatus. These holes lead to the inner ear where sound waves are processed.
* No external ears: They lack the visible, fleshy structures that we associate with ears in mammals.
* Feathers: Birds have feathers that cover their head, effectively concealing the ear holes.
Despite lacking external ears, birds have excellent hearing. They use their hearing for a variety of purposes, including:
* Navigation: Some birds use sound to navigate during migration.
* Communication: Birds use a wide range of sounds to communicate with each other.
* Predator detection: Birds can detect the sounds of predators approaching.
* Finding food: Some birds use sound to locate food sources.