The structure of the retina of the Eurasian Eagle-owl and its relation to lifestyle

Abstract

The retinal layers of birds are the same as those of other vertebrates; however, some variations exist in morphology, areas of visual acuity, and retinal vascularisation. Moreover, as a result of the relationship between environment, visual perception and behaviour, some variations are observed between diurnal and nocturnal birds. In this study, we have investigated the retina of the Eurasian Eagle-owl (Bubo bubo hispanicus) by optical microscopy. The results indicate that the retina has features of both nocturnal and diurnal birds. The pigment epithelium cells have long prolongations filled with melanin granules. The rod is the dominant photoreceptor, but simple cones are abundant. Yellow and colourless oil droplets and paraboloid are present in the inner segment of cones. In the inner nuclear layer, the cell bodies of horizontal cells can easily be recognised by a large and pale cytoplasm. Bipolar cell perikarya are identified by their dark nuclei and the round and narrow cytoplasm. Amacrine cells, located in the inner border of the inner nuclear layer, have a round perikarya and lightly stained nuclei. Müller cells bodies, also located in this region, have an irregular shape. Finally, ganglion cells which are characterised by the prominent nuclei and nucleoli vary in size and abundance depending on different regions in the retina. The morphological characteristics of this retina indicate that B. b. hispanicus have a high light sensitivity, the capacity to discriminate colour, a complex visual processing in the inner retina in order to mediate contrast and motion and, possibly, an elevated acuity in areas of high photoreceptor and ganglion cell density.