Owls are fascinating creatures known for their large, wide eyes and ability to rotate their heads up to 270 degrees. Their eyes come in a variety of colors, most commonly shades of yellow, orange, brown or black. But some owl species do, in fact, have stunning green eyes.
Green eyes are quite rare in the owl world, occurring in just a handful of species. The color is produced by the deposition of pigment in the iris, which regulates the amount of light entering the eye. The green shade likely helps owls see better at night by improving their vision under low light conditions.
So which owls have these special green peepers? Let’s take a closer look at a few of the most notable green-eyed owl species.
Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl
One of the most striking owls with green eyes is Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, also known as the Milky Eagle-Owl. This impressive bird has distinctive bright green eyes that can appear almost turquoise at times.
Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl is native to the rocky deserts and mountain ranges of Africa. It is a rather large owl, with adults reaching lengths of 24-28 inches (60-70 cm) and weights around 3-4 pounds (1.3-1.9 kg).
True to its name, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl exhibits some features common to eagles, such as feathered tuffs on its head that resemble ears. It is an opportunistic hunter that feeds on small mammals, birds, reptiles and even young antelope.
With its vivid green eyes, mottled plumage and feathery ear tufts, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl has one of the most striking faces in the owl family. The contrast of its eyes against its dark brown facial disk makes them appear even more vibrant and prominent.
Tawny Owl
Another owl boasting green eyes is the Tawny Owl, a woodland species found throughout much of Europe and parts of western Asia.
The Tawny Owl is a medium-sized owl standing around 15-17 inches tall (40-43 cm). As its name suggests, its plumage is overall tawny or rusty brown in color with various streaks and bars. Its facial disk is rounded and fringed with small white speckles.
The Tawny Owl’s eyes are most often a striking greenish-yellow, ranging from olive green to bright yellow. In some individuals they appear more yellowish while in others they take on a deeper emerald green hue.
This species has excellent night vision and exemplary hearing. Its greenish eyes likely help it see rodents and other prey after dark in its forest habitat. Tawny Owls are known for their haunting, drawn-out “twit twoo” call.
Great Gray Owl
The Great Gray Owl of North America sports some of the most brilliant green eyes found in the owl world. The vivid chartreuse coloring stands out starkly on its smokey gray facial disk.
As the largest owl in North America, the Great Gray Owl can reach up to 32 inches (81 cm) in length and weigh up to 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg). It breeds in boreal forests across Canada, Alaska and the northernmost U.S. states.
The Great Gray Owl’s eyes not only provide it with excellent vision at night, but also camouflage during the day. When closed, its green eyes blend seamlessly into the surrounding evergreen foliage, helping the owl stay hidden from predators.
Great Gray Owls are skilled hunters, using their exceptional hearing to locate small mammals like voles and mice beneath the snow. Their facial disks help channel sound toward their ears, aiding them in acoustic localization.
Eurasian Eagle-Owl
Like its African relative, the Eurasian Eagle-Owl has stunning chartreuse eyes. It is considered the largest owl in Europe, with a wingspan approaching 6 feet (180 cm). The Eurasian Eagle-Owl inhabits woodlands, rocky landscapes and river valleys across Europe and Asia.
The Eurasian Eagle-Owl exhibits dramatic ear tufts, a barrel-shaped body and orangey facial plumage speckled with dark marks. Its yellowish-green eyes have a piercing quality and add to its intimidating appearance.
Despite its name, the Eurasian Eagle-Owl is not closely related to eagles. It earned the name “eagle” owl due to its large size and powerful talons used for hunting prey like hares, voles, rats, and birds. With its excellent low-light vision, this species can effectively hunt at night when small mammals are active.
Eastern Screech Owl
The Eastern Screech-Owl is a small species found in wooded areas of North America. It measures just 6 to 10 inches (15-25 cm) in length yet boasts one of the most striking eye colors of any owl.
Eastern Screech Owls’ eyes can be bright yellow, orange or vivid green. In some instances one eye is yellow while the other is green. Their coloration is thought to be related to their varied plumage; gray morphs tend to have yellow eyes while red morphs exhibit green eyes.
Despite its name, this species does not actually screech but rather whinnies or trills softly. Its green eyes likely help it see mice and insects after dark but may also play a role in signaling and camouflage in trees.
Conclusion
Only a handful of the world’s over 200 owl species have green eyes. The shade provides excellent vision in low light and likely helps these nocturnal hunters spot and catch prey at night. Green eyes may also play a role in camouflage for some species.
Key owl species exhibiting vivid green eyes include Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Tawny Owl, Great Gray Owl, Eurasian Eagle-Owl and Eastern Screech Owl. The contrasting eye color on their feathered faces gives these owls a captivating and wild appearance.
So while yellow, orange and black eyes are far more common in the owl family, bright green remains one of the most striking and beautiful eye shades among these raptors. The rarity and intensity of this color make green-eyed owls a special sight for any bird enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Questions About Owls With Green Eyes
Here are some common questions that people have about owls with green eyes:
Why do some owls have green eyes?
Owls have green eyes due to pigment deposits in their irises, specifically a pigment called pterin. Pterins improve owls’ vision in low light conditions, which is beneficial for their nocturnal hunting. The green color also camouflages owls in their natural habitats.
What percentage of owls have green eyes?
Only around 5-10% of owls worldwide have green eyes. Yellow, orange and dark brown eyes are much more common. Green-eyed owls belong to just a handful of species, including the Great Gray Owl, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, and Eastern Screech Owl.
Do barn owls have green eyes?
Barn owls do not typically have green eyes. Barn owls are known for their distinct heart-shaped white faces and dark brown eyes. However, albino barn owls may exhibit red eyes due to a lack of melanin.
Why do owl eyes turn green in flash photography?
Owl eyes can appear green in photos taken with a flash because the light causes their eyes to glow. The eyes of most owls actually have a second reflective layer behind the retina called the tapetum lucidum, which causes eyeshine. This helps owls see better at night.
Are green-eyed owls a different species?
Green-eyed owls are not necessarily a distinct owl species. For example, the Eastern Screech Owl comes in red and gray color morphs, and only the red ones have green eyes. Green eyes occur in separate owl species but do not alone distinguish a species.
Do Eurasian Eagle Owls have green eyes?
Yes, Eurasian Eagle Owls are known for their piercing yellowish-green eyes. Their large size and feathery ear tufts also give them a very distinguishable appearance. The green eyes contrast noticeably with their orangey facial disks.
Why are owls associated with wisdom?
Owls are associated with wisdom in many cultures because of their large, forward-facing eyes and solemn facial expressions. Their ability to rotate their heads and necks up to 270 degrees also adds to their “wise” reputation. Owls are also connected to wisdom and intelligence in Greek mythology.
Do green eyes help owls see better at night?
Yes, green eyes likely help owls see better in low light conditions. The green pigment improves owls’ ability to detect contrast and movement in the dark, aiding their hunting success at night. Green eyes therefore provide excellent night vision.
5 Interesting Facts About Owls with Green Eyes
Here are 5 fascinating facts about owls with green eyes:
- Green-eyed owls have special pigments called pterins in their irises that enhance their vision at night.
- Owls with green eyes only make up around 5-10% of all owl species globally.
- The shade of green can vary from yellow-green to vivid emerald green depending on the species.
- Great Gray Owls have such bright green eyes that their eyes blend camouflaged into the surrounding evergreen trees.
- The contrast of green eyes against some owls’ facial disks creates a visually striking appearance.
A Comparison of Owls with Green Eyes
| Species | Region | Size | Eye Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verreaux’s Eagle Owl | Africa | 24-28 in (60-70 cm) | Bright green |
| Tawny Owl | Europe & Asia | 15-17 in (40-43 cm) | Greenish-yellow |
| Great Gray Owl | North America | Up to 32 in (81 cm) | Vivid chartreuse |
| Eurasian Eagle Owl | Europe & Asia | Up to 6 ft wingspan | Chartreuse |
| Eastern Screech Owl | North America | 6-10 in (15-25 cm) | Bright yellow/green |
This table compares the key features of owl species with green eyes, including their geographic range, size, and specific eye color shade. The green eye color varies in intensity across species but likely serves similar purposes like camouflage and enhanced night vision.
How Green Eyes Benefit Owls
There are a few key ways that green eyes provide advantages to owls:
- Enhanced night vision – Green pigments improve light sensitivity and help owls see in low light conditions when hunting at night.
- Increased contrast perception – Green hues allow owls to better detect shapes and movement against various backgrounds.
- Camouflage – Green eyes let owls blend into foliage while roosting during the day, concealing them from potential predators.
- Dazzle effect – Vivid green eyes may startle prey or help owls communicate, similar to bright plumage in some birds.
- Species recognition – Distinctive eye color can identify kin and potential mates within an owl species.
So while occurring in only a handful of owl species, green eyes provide a range of visual advantages for these nocturnal raptors. The dazzling hue likely plays an important role in their hunting success and survival.
Examples of Owls with Brilliant Green Eyes
Verreaux’s Eagle Owl
This large African owl has striking turquoise-green eyes contrasted against dark brown plumage. The eyes are even more prominent thanks to bold white eyebrow stripes.
Tawny Owl
The Tawny Owl of Eurasia has vivid yellow-green eyes that stand out against its tawny brown and gray mottled feathers. Its eyes sometimes appear almost neon green.
Great Gray Owl
One of the most intense green owl eyes belongs to the Great Gray Owl. Its bright yellow-green eyes seem to glow against its fluffy gray facial disk.
Eurasian Eagle Owl
With feathery ear tufts and orange facial hues, the Eurasian Eagle Owl’s chartreuse eyes complete its fierce appearance. Its green stare is piercing and captivating.
Eastern Screech Owl
The Eastern Screech Owl’s green eyes shine like emeralds on its rusty red plumage. When closed, its green lids camouflage well in deciduous trees.
