Raw sequence reads of Bird. Circus melanoleucos

Owls (Strigiformes) represent a fascinating group of birds that are the ecological night-time counterparts to diurnal raptors (Accipitriformes). The nocturnality of owls has favored an exceptional visual and hearing system that is highly tuned for hunting at night, yet the molecular basis for this adaptation is lacking. In this project, we used transcriptome sequencing of retina and cochlea tissues from 15 bird species, including owls and their relatives (Falconiformes, Accipitriformes and Coraciimorphae), to understand the molecular basis that underlie their specific adaptation of vision and hearing to their environments.