How do owls turn their heads?

Owls have extremely large eyes that are fixed in their sockets. This, combined with the fact that their eyes are forward-facing, means that they have to rotate their heads to scan around. Overall, owls can move their heads through about 270 degrees. However, it is a myth that they can move their heads further than other birds. Most birds have extremely flexible necks, which is essential for stabilising their heads in flight.

Answered by Dr Joanne Cooper, Zoology, National History Museum.