Eagle eye

This article is about the eye of eagles. For the film, see Eagle Eye. For other uses, see Eagle Eye (disambiguation).
Eye of a golden eagle
Eye of a bald eagle

The eagle eye is among the sharpest in the animal kingdom, with an eyesight estimated at 4 to 8 times stronger than that of the average human.[1] Although an eagle may only weigh 4.5 kilograms (10 lb), its eyes are roughly the same size as those of a human.[1] Eagle weight varies: a small eagle could weigh 700 grams (1.5 lb), while a larger one could weigh 6.5 kilograms (14 lb); an eagle of about 4.5 kilograms (9.9 lb) weight could have eyes as big as that of a human who weighs 91 kilograms (200 lb).[1] Although the size of the eagle eye is about the same as that of a human being, the back side shape of the eagle eye is flatter. Their eyes are stated to be larger than their brain, by weight.[2] Color vision with resolution and clarity are the most prominent features of eagles' eyes, hence sharp-sighted people are sometimes referred to as "eagle-eyed". Eagles can identify five distinctly colored squirrels and locate their prey even if hidden.[3]

In addition to eagles, birds such as hawks, falcons, and owls also known as raptors have extraordinary vision which enable them to hunt for their prey more easily. Raptors are also known as "birds of prey" and are categorized by their predator hunting style. This means that they use their sharp senses to locate and capture prey. An eagle is said to be able to spot a rabbit 3.2 kilometres (2.0 mi) away.[1] As the eagle descends from the sky to attack its prey, the muscles in the eyes continuously adjust the curvature of the eyeballs to maintain sharp focus and accurate perception throughout the approach and attack.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d e Grambo 2003, p. 11.
  2. ^ "Vision: An In-depth Look at Eagle Eyes". Journey North. Arboretum, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  3. ^ Dudley 1997, p. 10.