How does an owl eat a mouse? - briefly
The owl seizes the mouse with its talons, delivers a swift neck bite, and swallows the whole animal through a highly expandable esophagus. Indigestible components, such as bones and fur, are later ejected as a compact pellet.
How does an owl eat a mouse? - in detail
The owl locates the rodent using acute vision and hearing. Light‑sensitive retinal cells gather detailed images, while asymmetrical ear placement creates a precise sound map that pinpoints the prey’s position.
When the bird swoops, powerful wing muscles generate rapid acceleration. Talons extend, claws clamp onto the mouse’s torso, crushing bones and severing the spinal cord. The grip is reinforced by a flexible tendon that locks the talons in place, preventing escape.
The owl then manipulates the carcass with its beak. The hooked, razor‑sharp mandible pierces the neck, severing the trachea and major blood vessels. Blood loss quickly induces unconsciousness and death. The beak also scrapes away fur, exposing the flesh for ingestion.
Swallowing proceeds in several stages:
- The head is tilted back, aligning the esophagus with the hindquarters.
- Muscular contractions of the throat (pharyngeal muscles) push the body forward.
- The crop, an expandable storage pouch, temporarily holds the whole mouse.
- Periodic regurgitation clears indigestible parts (bones, fur) as compact pellets.
Digestive enzymes secreted by the stomach break down protein and fat. The small intestine absorbs nutrients, while the liver processes toxins. Waste exits as feces, and the owl’s high metabolism allows rapid energy conversion, supporting nightly hunting cycles.