How many degrees are owls able to turn their heads?

Owls possess a remarkable ability to turn their heads up to 270 degrees. This extraordinary range of motion is due to their unique skeletal and vascular anatomy, which allows their necks to rotate far beyond the typical range seen in most other birds. Unlike humans, who rely on a flexible upper spine to turn their heads, owls have developed specific adaptations: they have extra neck vertebrae—13 in total, compared to humans, who have just 7. Additionally, their blood vessels can withstand the twisting motion, preventing any interruption in blood flow to the brain during extreme neck rotations. This anatomical advantage is critical for hunting, as it allows owls to look around without moving their bodies, making it easier to spot prey and avoid predators. The choice of 270 degrees accurately reflects their head-turning capacity, highlighting their evolutionary adaptations for survival.