Superb Evolution
Superb Evolution
https://phys.org/news/2020-07-scientists-fossil-early-stages-owl.html
Moreover, the new discovery reveals a high level of diversity among the owls of the early Eocene in North America—from the small species Eostrix gulottai, measuring a mere 12 centimeters, to the newly discovered, roughly 60-centimeter-tall bird.
That is interesting the toes were of different size.
When I was posting the owl fossil articles yesterday, it seemed owl skulls are particularly hard to get. Maybe they are particularly fragile and don't survive as much as the other bones. Since their eyes and ears are so unique, it would let us know a lot of those evolutions.
"By contrast, present-day owls use their beak to kill prey items—thus, it appears that the lifestyle of this extinct owl clearly differed from that of its modern relatives," adds the ornithologist from Frankfurt.
I see much conflicting info on whether owls use beaks or feet to kill. Perhaps it's based on the size of the owl or what exactly the prey is. Their beaks are still so short though, I can't see them wanting to get their eyes and ears and important feathers that close to a thrashing creature... It also seems an odd angle to bend, but that guy's a orinthologist and I'm not.
Your post yesterday inspired me to dig a little more into owls of the past, thanks.
I remember reading something about their skulls being extremely fragile. I'll try to find the source.