Why Owls Can't See During The Day

 Owls are often thought to be unable to see during the day, but this is a misconception. In reality, owls can see during the day, but their vision is highly adapted for low-light conditions, making them exceptional hunters at night.

Why Owls are Perceived as Not Seeing Well During the Day:

1. Nocturnal Vision Specialization: Owls have large eyes that are packed with rod cells, which are sensitive to low light. This allows them to see exceptionally well in darkness. However, their eyes have fewer cone cells, which are responsible for seeing in bright light and detecting color. As a result, their vision is less suited for bright daylight compared to animals that are active during the day.

   

2. Light Sensitivity: The large pupils of owls let in a significant amount of light, which is perfect for night vision but can be overwhelming in bright sunlight. This sensitivity to light can cause discomfort, making them less active and appear as though they struggle to see.

   

3. Narrow Field of View: Owls have forward-facing eyes, providing them with binocular vision that is excellent for judging distances at night. However, this positioning limits their peripheral vision, making them less efficient in detecting fast movements during the day compared to diurnal birds.

   

4. Daytime Behaviour: Owls are generally inactive during the day and prefer to rest, which may contribute to the perception that they are unable to see well in daylight.

   

Despite these adaptations, owls are not blind during the day. They can still navigate their surroundings and detect threats but are more comfortable and efficient in dimmer light conditions.