Vultures do not see their obstacles

2012/03/22 Etxebeste Aduriz, Egoitz - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Ekologia
• Biologia
• Zoologia
• Ingurumena

Despite being one of the most demanding animals, vultures don't see what they have in front of them fly when they look for food. This may explain, to some extent, why they frequently affect structures such as windmills or power towers.

Researchers from the UK have analyzed the field of view of griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) and African sai (Gyps africanus) in research published in the journal Ibis. The researchers have found that vultures, thanks to their large field of view, can see wide terrain in flight, as well as the rest of vultures that fly on either side. However, they have seen that in the upper and lower part of the head they also have great blind spots, and have come to the conclusion that when they seek food they fly with their heads down, they are blind to what they have in front.

According to the researchers, this great blind spot is adaptation so that sunlight does not disturb. In fact, large eyebrows protect the eyes of the buffet from the sun, allowing them to see much better what is on the ground. On the other hand, good side view is also important for sessions, as they usually go in groups, and it is important to see what group members do, for example if they have found food. On the contrary, these birds have evolved on land without great barriers, so the adaptations developed do not help to avoid windmills.