Photo by Toby HudsonThis obliging masked lapwing (shown below enjoying a juicy worm) has provided a prime depiction of the nictating membrane, or third eyelid, that provides eye moisture and protection to various animals while still maintaining visibility. The lapwing uses its nictating membrane to blink but closes the whole eyelid to sleep.
Photo by Toby HudsonShown here is a chicken blinking:
Photo source: Wikimedia CommonsA red-tailed hawklet winks for the camera:
Photo by flikr user ronmdonAnd yes, this is the same nictating membrane you have seen up close and personal on your pets:
Photo source: Washington State University--------------
Thanks to alert reader JIP for bringing this terrifying horizontal eyelid to our attention. Happy 25th birthday today!
Hi Webmaster, commenter’s and everybody else!!! The blog was absolutely fantastic! Lots of great information and inspiration, both of which we all need! Keep 'them coming... you all do such a great job at such Concepts... can't tell you how much I, for one appreciate all you do!
ReplyDeleteCeska: thanks for your kind words!
ReplyDeleteNick Tating? Yeah, I used to work with him. He was more of a lamebrain than a membrane.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked my lapwing. Thanks for attributing it clearly and correctly
ReplyDeleteHaving read this material, I have learned for myself a lot of the new. Thanks
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