![\"american](\"https:\/\/featheredphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/american-kestrel-9369-ron-dudley.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSome falcons, hawks and owls\u00a0have two ocelli (eye-like patches or “false eyes”) on the back of their head. \u00a0Their function may not be as presumed.<\/p>\n
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1\/640, f\/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon \u00a0EF500mm f\/4L IS USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Despite the less than ideal perch I’ve always liked this image because the pose shows off most of the handsome dorsal plumage colors and patterns of the male American Kestrel so well and at the same time it still provides\u00a0a good look at the face and eye. \u00a0One of the two black ocelli on the back of the head can also\u00a0be seen clearly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The female kestrel with her sexually dimorphic plumage also has ocelli. \u00a0I had to browse\u00a0through thousands of my kestrel images to find one that shows at least part of both ocelli\u00a0because I typically delete images that don’t show the face well (this image has poor composition because it’s full frame). \u00a0When seen from the rear the ocelli can give the appearance of a “false face” on the back of the head.<\/p>\n It has long been presumed by many that the function of ocelli is to provide protection against attack by predators from the rear. \u00a0 Having been warned that the “owner” of the ocelli has likely seen them coming and will retaliate,\u00a0a predator may abort an attack. \u00a0But another\u00a0somewhat related alternative theory has also been proposed.<\/p>\n Many\u00a0raptors with ocelli prey largely on passerine birds. \u00a0The “false face” may function in the hunting of small birds by provoking (or manipulating) their mobbing response. \u00a0The advantage to the raptor may be immediate because it’s relatively common for mobbers to be killed and eaten by the raptor being mobbed. \u00a0It’s also possible that the benefit to the raptor may be postponed if the raptor is actually using mobbing as a method of evaluating hunting prospects in the area.<\/p>\n Proponents of this second theory use research on pygmy owls as evidence. \u00a0There are 26 – 35 species of pygmy owls worldwide (the exact number is disputed) and some of those species\u00a0include a high proportion of small birds in their diets while others do not. \u00a0Those pygmy owl species that\u00a0prey mainly\u00a0on passerines tend to have ocelli while those that do not, lack them. \u00a0It is claimed that these findings are most consistent with ocelli being used to deceive mobbing birds so they can be more easily preyed upon.<\/p>\n Whatever the actual function(s) of the “false face” may be, the next time you see the bearer of one – wonder. \u00a0As I do.<\/p>\n Birds are endlessly fascinating.<\/p>\n Ron<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Some falcons, hawks and owls have two ocelli (eye-like patches or “false eyes”) on the back of their head. Their function may not be as presumed.<\/p>\n![\"american](\"https:\/\/featheredphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/american-kestrel-6486-ron-dudley.jpg\")
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