this post was submitted on 25 Feb 2026
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Superbowl

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[–] thethrilloftime69@feddit.online 10 points 9 hours ago (2 children)

So they're mostly legs under there?

[–] anon6789@lemmy.world 15 points 4 hours ago (2 children)

They've inherited a third leg joint, the tarsus, from their dinosaur ancestors. (Green)

It works with their system of tendons to make a clenched foot the relaxed state. This lets them hold onto prey or a branch while they sleep at maximum force without having to constantly export force, it just happens.

The toes also have an internal ratcheting lock to aid that grip. See how the red and blue ridged sections lock when the foot is clenched.

[–] Minnels@lemmy.zip 5 points 3 hours ago (1 children)
[–] anon6789@lemmy.world 2 points 2 hours ago

That's why we're Superb Owl and not Ordinary Owl 😁

[–] thethrilloftime69@feddit.online 4 points 3 hours ago (1 children)

That is amazing. Thanks for sharing!

[–] anon6789@lemmy.world 2 points 2 hours ago

It's just the tip of the iceberg! Since they need to stay light enough to fly, every bit of them is packed with max awesomeness.

I could go on about them all day.

[–] Schmuppes@lemmy.today 7 points 5 hours ago* (last edited 5 hours ago)

🎸🕶️ She's got legs / And knows how to use 'em 🕶️🎸