From Wild Wings Inc

Screech owls have a built-in third eyelid, called a nictitating membrane, that sweeps diagonally across the eye. It acts like a clear shield, protecting the eye from debris while still allowing the owl to see. This helps them hunt and move through dense branches without losing sight of their surroundings.

All owls have these membranes, to my knowledge. They also help keep the eyes from drying out while flying.

  • Onomatopoeia@lemmy.cafe
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    16 days ago

    Don’t many birds/lizards/snakes have these?

    Still neat!

    Also, that owl is tired of your crap kids, so settle down and get in bed.

    • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
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      11 days ago

      Yes they do!

      So do our dog and cat friends, and also sharks.

      We humans also have vestigial ones!