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Binocular field configuration in owls: the role of foraging ecology

Abstract:
The binocular field of vision differs widely in birds depending on ecological traits such as foraging. Owls (Strigiformes) have been considered to have a unique binocular field, but whether it is related to foraging has remained unknown. While taking into account allometry and phylogeny, we hypothesized that both daily activity cycle and diet determine the size and shape of the binocular field in owls. Here, we compared the binocular field configuration of 23 species of owls. While we found no effect of allometry and phylogeny, ecological traits strongly influence the binocular field shape and size. Binocular field shape of owls significantly differed from that of diurnal raptors. Among owls, binocular field shape was relatively conserved, but binocular field size differed among species depending on ecological traits, with larger binocular fields in species living in dense habitat and foraging on invertebrates. Our results suggest that (i) binocular field shape is associated with the time of foraging in the daily cycle (owls versus diurnal raptors) and (ii) that binocular field size differs between closely related owl species even though the general shape is conserved, possibly because the field of view is partially restricted by feathers, in a trade-off with auditory localization.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Publisher copy:
10.1098/rspb.2023.0664

Authors


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Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0003-3156-7846
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Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0003-1940-6927
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Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MPLS
Department:
Biology
Oxford college:
St Hugh's College
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0002-2438-2352
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Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0002-2742-6349


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Funder identifier:
https://ror.org/004hzzk67
Grant:
Ultimate Vision


Publisher:
Royal Society
Journal:
Proceedings of the Royal Society B More from this journal
Volume:
290
Issue:
2009
Article number:
20230664
Publication date:
2023-10-18
Acceptance date:
2023-09-12
DOI:
EISSN:
1471-2954
ISSN:
0962-8452
Pmid:
37848065


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
2022484
Local pid:
pubs:2022484
Deposit date:
2024-08-20

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