Sleep is just as important to birds as it is to us. However, a bird’s sleep is far different from that we experience. One way that it differs is birds can actually sleep with one of their eyes open.
A bird is capable of performing this unbelievable fete because half of its brain is fully asleep while the other half is only partially asleep. In other words, the side of the brain with the open eye is only partially asleep. This enables a sleeping bird to detect the approach of a potential predator.
I find that truly amazing!
IS THIS FINCH SLEEPING?
That is truly amazing!
I totally agree. The more we learn about wildlife, the more we realize they are indeed speciial.
Terry
Amazing fact, Terry!
William,
I do not think there is any end to the amazing facts that swirl around birds.
Terry
I’ve heard hear the humorus/ slightly paranoid phrase all too often- ” I’m going to be sleeping with one eye open from now on.” Now there’s validation for this behavior in birds. Such interesting information! Thanks
Amy,
Thanks for sharing that with me. When I wrote the blog that phrase never entered my mind. I cannot help but wonder why I didn’t think of it.
Terry