The eyes of all owls are prominent, but the eyes of one species are like Mrs. Pyle, my third-grade teacher - in the back of the head.
The pygmy owl has a feather pattern on the back of its head and neck that makes it look like it has eyes there. This trait is believed to have evolved because, to predators, it might seem that they were being watched.
The pygmy owl lives in the mountains of California and Oregon. It is only 6 ½ inches long, about the size of a house sparrow.
ActiveStyle, Pages 32 on 10/28/2013