Owls as symbols of wisdom — and what birds can reveal about our own nature.

Folklore says owls are wise, but are they, really?

It’s commonplace to understand that owls are nocturnal.

What is the source of the wisdom of birds and why have we applied it to humans who live long lives?

The idea of owls being wise creatures originated in Ancient Greece and mythology.

For centuries, owls have fascinated people and gained a reputation for wisdom, which continues to be admired in modern society, according to Chad Witko, senior coordinator of avian biology at the National Audubon Society's Migratory Bird Initiative, based in Windham County, Vermont.

Witko stated that while some cultures perceive owls differently, many, including Western traditions, view them as symbols of wisdom.

The goddess of wisdom in Ancient Greece, Athena, is often depicted with an owl symbolizing her ability to see the whole truth, he said.

He stated that their perception of wisdom is deeply rooted in their biology, behavior, and striking appearance.

What does appearance have to do with it?

Unlike many birds with eyes on the sides of their heads, owls have forward-facing eyes set against a flat facial disc of feathers, giving them a human or child-like appearance, according to Witko, who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital.

He stated that owls' large, fixed eyes and ability to rotate their heads up to 270 degrees give them an appearance of attentiveness and observance.

If you've seen a perched owl, it's hard not to feel like they're looking at us, peering through us as they sit calmly and take in the world with undivided attention.

What are some other attributes of these birds?

Witko stated that owls have exceptional hunting skills, effortlessly moving through the night with quiet elegance.

Their specially adapted feathers enable them to approach their prey unnoticed, while their acute hearing helps them detect movement in various environments, including open spaces, under vegetation, and beneath a layer of snow.

Although owls possess certain characteristics that make them intelligent, there are fewer scientific studies on their intelligence compared to those on parrots, starlings, and corvids, he pointed out.

"Birds, being social creatures, typically possess larger brains and higher intelligence to effectively communicate and establish social systems."

According to Witko, who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital, owls are generally solitary creatures outside of breeding season, and a significant portion of their brain is devoted to enhancing their vision and hearing abilities rather than problem-solving or social construction.

Where are owls found?

Owls are adaptable birds and can live in many types of habitats.

According to Medium, these animals can be found worldwide, from the Arctic to the tropics, and they thrive in challenging environments that other animals cannot survive in.

"Owls inhabit diverse habitats worldwide, on every continent except Antarctica."

Witko stated that owls can be found in a wide range of habitats worldwide, excluding Antarctica, including the Arctic tundra, tropical rainforests, and even major cities, with a total of 247 recognized species.

The United States and Canada regularly host nearly 20 species, he said.

Conservation challenges, such as habitat loss, climate change, and exposure to pesticides and rodenticides, affect owls, according to Witko.

""By tracking owl movements, we can better conserve these majestic birds and the ecosystems they inhabit," he said."

Why do we call older humans ‘wise old owls’?

From Homer's "The Iliad" to "Winnie the Pooh" by A.A. Milne, owls are often depicted as wise.

Mental Floss pointed out that although owls are exceptional hunters in the food chain, they may not be significantly more intelligent than many other birds.

A study found that great gray owls consistently failed a simple cognitive test, while other bird species succeeded, according to the same source.

Despite not being as intelligent as some birds or possessing human-like wisdom, Witko stated that owls' unique adaptations and ecological significance make them "invaluable symbols of the natural world."

The legend that owls are intelligent is based on the nursery rhyme "The Wise Old Owl."

A wise old owl resided in an oak tree. As he observed more, he spoke less / The less he spoke, the more he listened. Why can't we all be like that wise old bird?

The link between wisdom and aging in American culture is rooted in biological principles.

According to Psychology Today, as people grow older, their minds continue to develop due to the accumulation of life experiences and increased exposure to various stimuli.

According to the source, older individuals tend to be more skilled in certain areas of cognition, such as problem-solving, life planning, and setting future goals.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit planetchronicle.net/lifestyle.