By observing whether the owls can focus on the target while finishing a 360-degree head turn, researchers can collect direct evidence about whether such extreme movement is possible in living birds.

Owls should be able to rotate their heads a full 360 degrees, according to an analysis of the birds’ skeletons and muscles – but some researchers still have their doubts.

One of the most elusive and mysterious owls of Ohio is the barn owl (Tyto alba). This very large predator, measuring 16 inches long with a wingspan of 3 ½ feet, has a heart-shaped face, large dark ...