Eagles do have eyelashes! But unlike humans, they actually have three eyelids. Isn’t that fascinating?
Let me tell you a bit more about it. Eagles, along with most other birds, have an upper eyelid, a lower eyelid, and a third eyelid called a nictitating membrane. The nictitating membrane is a thin, translucent membrane that can move horizontally across the eye to provide extra protection and moisture.
Now, let’s compare the eyelashes of Tommy, our friend with human-like eyelids, and the eagle. Tommy’s top eyelid is larger than the bottom one, and his top eyelashes are longer and more prominent. This is because the top eyelid’s primary function is to protect the eye, so it has longer lashes to help keep dust, debris, and even insects away.
On the other hand, the bottom eyelid in humans is smaller and has shorter lashes because its primary purpose is to distribute tears and aid in blinking. The shorter lashes prevent interference with the vision and reduce the chances of the lashes touching the eye.
Now, let’s talk about the eagle’s eyelashes. The eagle’s top eyelid, like Tommy’s, is larger and has longer lashes. These long lashes help shield the eagle’s eyes from sunlight and other environmental elements, just like Tommy’s lashes protect his eyes from dust and debris.
The eagle’s bottom eyelid, however, is not as prominent as the top one. It has shorter lashes and is mostly responsible for blinking and keeping the eye moist. The shorter lashes on the bottom eyelid prevent them from getting in the way of the eagle’s vision.
But what about that third eyelid, the nictitating membrane? Well, this membrane serves a different purpose altogether. It acts as a protective shield, covering the eye very quickly and providing an extra layer of defense against potential hazards. This is especially useful when the eagle is flying at high speeds or when hunting prey.
So, in summary, eagles do have eyelashes, but their arrangement and functions are a bit different from humans. While both humans and eagles have longer lashes on the top eyelid for protection, eagles also have a smaller bottom eyelid with shorter lashes. And let’s not forget about that nictitating membrane, which adds an extra layer of protection for the eagle’s eyes.
Isn’t nature amazing? The diversity of eye structures and adaptations in different species never ceases to amaze me.