Eagles are able to see small details from a long distance away, with estimates suggesting that they can see up to 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) away when flying at an altitude of 1000 feet (300 meters). It allows them to locate and capture prey with extreme precision, even at a distance.
Superhuman Vision
Eagles have great vision, with an estimated visual acuity index of 20/5, which means that they can see objects that are five times smaller than what a human with normal vision could see at the same distance. This is significantly better than the average human visual acuity index of 20/20, and it allows eagles to see small details with great clarity even from a long distance away.
Peripheral Vision
One factor that contributes to eagles’ superior vision is the structure of their eyes. They have large, forward-facing eyes that are positioned on the sides of their heads, allowing them to have a much wider field of vision than humans. Additionally, the fovea of an eagle’s eye is a convex pit, allowing eagles to have a visual field of up to 350 degrees
Finding UV
Eagles are also able to see ultraviolet (UV) light, which is a type of light with shorter wavelengths than visible light and is not visible to humans. This ability can be helpful in a variety of situations. For example, eagles are able to see traces of urine or any other signs that would be typically invisible to human eyes. UV light can also help eagles navigate their environment by highlighting features such as water sources or potential nesting sites.
Multi-colored Spectrum
In addition to their ability to see UV light, eagles are also able to see a wider range of colors than humans. While humans are able to see the colors of the visible spectrum, eagles have an additional cone in their retina that allows them to see colors in the ultraviolet spectrum. This additional cone allows eagles to distinguish between colors that are very similar to each other, such as shades of blue and green, which can be helpful in locating and identifying prey.
Conclusion
Eagles have exceptional vision, with a visual acuity index of 20/5, allowing them to see things from a distance of up to 2 miles (3.2 kilometers). They are also able to see ultraviolet (UV) light and a wider range of colors than humans, which can aid in hunting and navigation. These physical adaptations give eagles some of the sharpest vision in the animal kingdom.
