DID YOU KNOW? OWLS CAN SIT CROSS-LEGGED
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
TRUE
The claim that owls can sit cross-legged is, surprisingly, true. While it’s not identical to how a human sits cross-legged, the posture shown in the image is a genuine behavior observed in owls. This surprising pose is a result of their unique leg anatomy, which is often misunderstood because their long legs are typically hidden beneath a thick layer of feathers.
What we perceive as an owl’s “knee” bending backward is actually its ankle. Their true knee joint is located much higher up, close to the body, and is concealed by plumage. The long bone section visible between the “ankle” and the foot is the tarsometatarsus. When an owl assumes this “sitting” position, it is resting on its hocks, which is the tarsal joint or ankle. It then tucks its feet and talons in front of itself. Sometimes, in doing so, one foot rests over the other, creating the distinct cross-legged appearance seen in the viral photo.
This behavior is particularly common in young owls, or owlets. Their heads are disproportionately large and heavy for their developing bodies and leg muscles. Standing upright for extended periods can be exhausting. To conserve energy and rest more comfortably, they will often lie down on their stomachs with their legs splayed out or sit back on their hocks in this cross-legged fashion. It is a stable and restful position for them. Therefore, the image is not a product of photo manipulation but rather a charming and factual depiction of a real owl posture.
