To be honest, we couldn't back up or dismiss Rees' explanation that the young owls do so because their heads are too heavy. All that we know is that they really do nap like this. The National Audubon Society, a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to conservation, for example, published a heartwarming story about two Barred Owlets who had fallen out of their nest. After the babies were put back into the tree, their rescuers observed how they were recovering.
"Keeping their talons tightly gripped on a branch, the owlets lay down on their stomachs, turned their heads to the side, and fell asleep. Their naps are short, and when they are asleep, they do not like to be awakened, even to be fed," the article said.
Interestingly, a young owl doesn’t fall out of the tree while it snoozes because it holds onto the branch with its back toe, the hallux. "The hallux will not open or let go until the bird bends its leg."
Sadly, before they can fly, most owlets' will to explore their surroundings gets the best of them and they often end up on the ground, sometimes dropping right in front of us.
