They’ve inherited a third leg joint, the tarsus, from their dinosaur ancestors. (Green)
It works with their system of tendons to make a clenched foot the relaxed state. This lets them hold onto prey or a branch while they sleep at maximum force without having to constantly export force, it just happens.
The toes also have an internal ratcheting lock to aid that grip. See how the red and blue ridged sections lock when the foot is clenched.
So they’re mostly legs under there?
They’ve inherited a third leg joint, the tarsus, from their dinosaur ancestors. (Green)
It works with their system of tendons to make a clenched foot the relaxed state. This lets them hold onto prey or a branch while they sleep at maximum force without having to constantly export force, it just happens.
The toes also have an internal ratcheting lock to aid that grip. See how the red and blue ridged sections lock when the foot is clenched.
That is amazing. Thanks for sharing!
It’s just the tip of the iceberg! Since they need to stay light enough to fly, every bit of them is packed with max awesomeness.
I could go on about them all day.
Would you say they are… superb?
I may be coming around to that opinion, yes…
Nature is amazing.
That’s why we’re Superb Owl and not Ordinary Owl 😁
🎸🕶️ She’s got legs / And knows how to use 'em 🕶️🎸