Owls have the widest neck rotation range among animals. This remarkable feature stems from the unique articulation of their spine with the skull. Unlike mammals, which typically have two occipital condyles (spherical ends of a bone that fit into a cavity in another bone to form a joint), owls possess only one.
Additionally, birds have a long, flexible neck containing anywhere from 11 to 23 movable vertebrae. An owl's head can swivel approximately 270 degrees in each direction, allowing for a total rotational range of one and a half full turns. This extraordinary neck flexibility is not just a peculiar trait; it's a critical adaptation that allows owls to have a nearly unobstructed view of their surroundings, an essential asset for a predator that hunts primarily at night.
@science
