Do birds have ears?

Birds are among the world's most intriguing and diversified species. Despite this, they all share a few characteristics, such as the exterior feathers and the wings. This question has a simple answer: yes. Birds have ears and a complete auditory sensory system, which allows them to hear things. However, in terms of processes and architecture, birds' ears differ significantly from ours, particularly in terms of external ear form.

Birds, like reptiles and amphibians, have ear openings on the rear of the skull, slightly below the line of sight. These ear openings are frequently as large as the bird's eyes, although they're generally covered with feathers known as "auricular feathers". These feathers are delicate enough not to interfere with the incoming waves that reach the external bird ear, yet substantial enough to cover the ear opening from dust and moisture.

According to a 2014 study, the two ears of certain birds are not on the same level, which gives the birds an edge when it comes to localization when flying. Since these ear holes are usually quite small and hidden under feathers, birds usually look like they don’t have any ears.