Based on the provided reference, owls are known for their poor daytime vision.
Why Owls Struggle to See During the Day
Owls are primarily nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active during the night. Their eyes have evolved to excel in low-light conditions, but this comes at the expense of daytime vision. As the reference states: "Their inability to see well during the day is a result of their evolutionary adaptations to a life in darkness."
Owl Eye Adaptations: A Double-Edged Sword
- Large Pupils: Owls have large pupils that allow a significant amount of light to enter their eyes. This is beneficial in the dark, but during the day, it can lead to overexposure and blurry vision.
- High Rod-to-Cone Ratio: Owl eyes have a high concentration of rod cells, which are responsible for detecting light and motion in low-light conditions. They have fewer cone cells, which are responsible for color vision and visual acuity in bright light. This adaptation favors nighttime vision over daytime vision.
Therefore, while owls possess exceptional night vision, they often struggle to see clearly in daylight.
