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For some reason mankind is fascinated with birds. There are countless expressions based on birds. Phrases such as "this is for the birds" or even "swift as a bird" are quite common. Perhaps it is the sight of wild birds soaring through the skies that gives mankind the feeling that they have the best of it all. Even the term "bird's eye" is used so commonly that most people know what someone is referring to. But literally, the bird eye is something to envy.

The bird eye is quite similar to the human eye. It has many of the same working parts. The basic structures of a bird's eye are: eyelids, cornea, retina, anterior chamber, iris and lens. These are the same structures that a human's eye has but there are differences in how each works. The most obvious difference is that birds have larger eyes in comparison to the rest of their body. The starling's eye is 15% of its body. The human eye is 1%. Birds can see a greater area but often cannot move the eye itself.

The size of the eye depends on the bird species. Owls, for example, have huge eyes that allow them to take in more at once. For a wild bird that is important because it means that they can spot enemies and their prey much easier. Owls cannot move their eyes so they rotate their heads. How far do they rotate their heads? They rotate a whopping 200 degrees. Another difference to be found is the number of eyelids a bird has over humans. The human eye only has an upper and lower eyelid.

All species of birds have three eyelids. They have an upper, lower and a nictitating membrane that cleans and protects the eye. Another difference is in the positioning of the eyes. Humans and most wild animals, especially predators, have eyes that are not as centralized as a bird's eye. A bird's eye is on the front of the skull and they lack the ability to see very far to the sides. This is why birds turn their heads often.

Human's can get by without their eyesight. There are many devices and advancements in medical science that allow for humans to compensate for vision loss. Wild birds do not have this luxury. If their eyesight is damaged, then they will undoubtedly starve or die without outside help from a conservation or rescue group. The bird eye may just be an organ but it is one that these two legged, winged wild animals cannot live without.

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