Owls are fascinating birds and their ability to walk on two legs is as interesting as it is unusual. Only about 30 species of owls have been documented walking on two legs, but it appears that most species have at least some limited ability to do so. Owls have an exceptional sense of balance, and once they master standing up, they can keep their balance no matter how quickly they need to move.
Owing to their talons and gripping pads on the soles of their feet, owls can walk with great speed through forests and fields. They use their powerful legs and smooth-flowing musculature to quickly cover long distances. There are several different ways in which owls manage to make such amazing movement possible. Let’s take a look at the various adaptations that allow these birds to walk upright.
Can Owls Run on Their Legs?
Owls have powerful legs and a smooth-flowing musculature, which allows them to quickly cover long distances. They use those legs to run with great speed through forests and fields. When they need to startle an animal, they can use their talons in addition to their feet.
Some species of owls even have adaptations that allow them to almost fly while they walk. For example, the tawny owl has wide, flat feet with a hard pad on the front that is similar in structure to an insect’s wing; when it walks, it tosses its body from side to side as it flies through the air on two legs.
Why Owls Have Long Legs?
The answer to this question is simple: owls have long legs for two reasons. First, owls use their long legs to build up speed before launching themselves into the air. They can reach speeds of more than 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) with a powerful takeoff. Secondly, these birds need their long legs to easily maneuver in trees and shrubs.
For all these reasons, it’s easy to see how these birds are able to walk on two legs and why there aren’t many other bird species that can do so.
Why do owls walk on the ground?
Some scientists believe that both the ancestors of birds and the ancestors of modern-day owls walked on two legs. As a result, they have retained some of this ability in order to take to the ground in case they need to chase prey or escape predators.
Owls are able to walk on the ground because their bones are light, hollow, and flexible. Their lightweight structure means that they don’t have much weight resting on one leg as it moves, which allows them more freedom of movement when walking. Additionally, their feet are covered with dense fur to help with traction and also act as insulation from cold temperatures. This helps owls maintain balance as they move quickly through snow, ice, and other areas where standing would be impossible.
What To Do if I Find an Owl on the Ground?
Let’s say you find an owl on the ground, or in your yard. It looks like it is struggling, but it has not been injured and is just trying to get back up again. This can be a tricky situation. You should first make sure that there is a bird rescue center near by and then try to help the owl back up. If the owl cannot balance itself, you can try shoving its wingtips into the ground one at a time as you give it support from underneath.
But if you do find an owl on the ground, don’t just leave it there! Remember that these birds are very specific in what they need to survive. They need leaves, insects and mice to eat, so keep your distance from them until they are out of danger.
