So, Owls do have the ability to lock off their talons so that they’re not constantly having to grip things. The tendons for their talons are whonky and have bumpy-things that match with groves in a rigid sheath; which works like a ratchet.
You know those telescoping tubes that lock into place because one side has a spring-loaded button or post, and the other has a pipe? kinda the same thing. The tendon itself runs up their legs to their leg muscles, and it’s relaxed/released by extending their legs.
Here is a video that goes into some detail on it. It’s talking about falcons, but owls have the same kinds of talons, and they do talk about eagle owls.
Oh, I’m glad I saw this when I came to read sxan’s reply! I quick watched the explanation in the beginning and the owl part, but I’m going to watch the full thing when I get a chance. He seemed to have a ton of great info, and I like getting to see the differences between the various types of raptors. Awesome find!
So, Owls do have the ability to lock off their talons so that they’re not constantly having to grip things. The tendons for their talons are whonky and have bumpy-things that match with groves in a rigid sheath; which works like a ratchet.
You know those telescoping tubes that lock into place because one side has a spring-loaded button or post, and the other has a pipe? kinda the same thing. The tendon itself runs up their legs to their leg muscles, and it’s relaxed/released by extending their legs.
Here is a video that goes into some detail on it. It’s talking about falcons, but owls have the same kinds of talons, and they do talk about eagle owls.
Oh, I’m glad I saw this when I came to read sxan’s reply! I quick watched the explanation in the beginning and the owl part, but I’m going to watch the full thing when I get a chance. He seemed to have a ton of great info, and I like getting to see the differences between the various types of raptors. Awesome find!
“with most birds you’re worried about getting bitten. yeah. No. they can do that, but, check out these [brutal efficient killing machines]!”