From Suffolk Owl Sanctuary

As we arrive at November, we also recognise and moustaches in unison over the month to signify We at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary would like to join all those taking part in solidarity by highlighting some of our owls’ very own funky 'moustaches!

Owls have a set of moustache-like feathers around their beaks called crines. These crines are specially adapted feathers that act like whiskers, helping the owl to feel for their food and surroundings in front of them! This is because their eyes are not adapted to see very well at short range.

Crines seems to be the UK English term. The only references I saw to this word are in UK or Canadian sites. We’ve talked about these before as rictal bristles.

We’re able to move our eyeballs to stare at our nose and mouth area, but as owl eyes are fixed in position, that leaves them with a blind spot there. That’s where these special feathers come in!