The question of whether shikras, a type of hawk, can turn their heads 360 degrees is a common misconception. While shikras do have impressive neck mobility, they cannot complete a full 360-degree rotation without causing damage to their nervous system.

Shikras’ Neck Anatomy and Mobility

Shikras, like other birds of prey, have a unique anatomy that allows them to turn their heads to a remarkable degree. They have 14 cervical vertebrae, compared to the 7 found in humans, which provides them with a greater range of motion in their necks.

Additionally, shikras have specialized blood vessels and arteries in their necks that can swell and collect excess blood during head turns. This adaptation helps prevent damage to the nerves and tissues in their necks, allowing them to turn their heads more than most other animals.

The Limit of 270 Degrees

Image source: SHIKRA by Shiv’s fotografia

While shikras can turn their heads up to 270 degrees, they cannot complete a full 360-degree rotation. The nerves in a shikra’s neck would be stretched and potentially damaged during such a turn, which could leave the bird unable to fly for several days while the nerves healed.

This limitation is due to the structure of the shikra’s nervous system and the potential for damage to the nerves during an extreme head turn. Even with their impressive neck mobility, shikras cannot safely rotate their heads a full 360 degrees.

Comparison to Owls

Owls, another bird of prey, are often mistakenly thought to be able to turn their heads 360 degrees. Like shikras, owls have exceptional neck mobility, with the ability to turn their heads up to 270 degrees.

However, just like shikras, owls cannot complete a full 360-degree rotation without risking damage to their nervous system. The nerves in an owl’s neck would be stretched and potentially damaged during such an extreme head turn, potentially leaving the bird unable to fly for several days.

Conclusion

In summary, while shikras and other birds of prey have impressive neck mobility, they cannot turn their heads a full 360 degrees without risking damage to their nervous system. The maximum safe rotation for these birds is around 270 degrees, which is still an incredible feat of flexibility and adaptation.

References:
– New Scientist. (2024, January 25). Owls may actually be able to turn their heads a full 360 degrees. Retrieved from https://www.newscientist.com/article/2413893-owls-may-actually-be-able-to-turn-their-heads-a-full-360-degrees/
– National Geographic. (n.d.). How Owls Twist Their Heads Almost 360 Degrees. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/how-owls-twist-heads-almost-360-degrees
– Bird Academy. (n.d.). Can Owls Turn Their Heads 360 Degrees? Retrieved from https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/can-owls-turn-their-heads-360-degrees/
– YouTube. (2012, April 19). Can Owls Rotate Their Heads 360 Degrees? #naturepbs #owl #animals [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR5o71Zx4lw