Some owl species are believed to hunt by sound rather than sight. The head can swivel through about 180 degrees. The beak is compact and hooked. Flying birds have superb eyesight, a prerequisite of flight. No other living thing can match the visual acuity of birds.
Owls have a wider range of binocular vision than any other bird.
The Greeks first named the Wise Old Owl , and pictured it as a companion to Athene, goddess of wisdom.