I think I read somewhere that all their little bodies create so much heat when they do this, the hornet cooks to death.
From reddit This is mostly just a cool shot of the Harpy’s nictitating membrane in action, a feature that many birds of prey will often use to assist with feeding and navigation. It’s essentially a 3rd translucent eyelid that provides temporary ‘armor’ to allow the bird to get done what it needs to (also acts as a moistening agent), e.g. if a smaller bird is actively mobbing it while it’s trying to feast. Some cool uses for that membrane that I’ve been reading about lately: -peregrines rely on using the membrane when stooping at 200+ mph to retain vision/moisture -the water ouzel dives into lakes and WALKS ON THE BOTTOM scavenging for insects/crustaceans that other birds can’t reach, while using its nictitating membrane to see underwater -vultures use them habitually when digging their heads deep into a carcass. I tend to wonder if they activate when the vulture vomits in self defense, as the image is kinda badass
goodness the lip BLUB BLUB BLUB after it eats the other got me good, had the dumbest cartoon sound effect go off in my brain as soon as i saw it and started dying
Maybe someone can find the source video https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...-kills-plunging-400ft-mountain-Himalayas.html