So many things in the animal world are not what they first appear, and owls are no exception. Did you know that if you were to lift up an owl’s bottom feathers you would find a pair of very long, skinny legs?
Leg work
Owls are incredible hunters, and their powerful grip comes from the strength of their leg muscles. Their long legs are what help them to catch their prey!
Down in one
Owls have no teeth so they swallow their prey whole. Fur, skin, bones … the lot.
Get a grip
Owls are zygodactyl. This means that their feet have two middle toes that face forwards and two outer toes that face backwards. This allows them to firmly grip their prey. However, unlike other birds that are zygodactyl, owls can move one toe from the back to the front, allowing them to walk and perch.
