felloweyed

Felloweyed is a term primarily used in the context of certain species of birds, particularly those belonging to the family *Rallidae*, commonly known as rails, crakes, and coots. The term describes a distinctive visual feature where the eyes of these birds appear to be positioned unusually close together, often giving the impression that they are "fellow" or aligned in a near-linear fashion along the top of the head. This arrangement contrasts with the more typical lateral placement of eyes found in many other bird species.

The felloweyed appearance is most notably associated with the genus *Crex*, which includes species such as the Corn Crake (*Crex crex*). In these birds, the eyes are positioned so closely together that they appear to be nearly touching or overlapping when viewed from the front. This unique trait is thought to aid in their specialized feeding and foraging behaviors, particularly in dense vegetation where precise visual tracking of movement is advantageous.

The term is also occasionally used more broadly in ornithological discussions to describe similar eye placements in other bird groups, though it is not universally applied. The felloweyed characteristic is not limited to rails; some species of ducks, such as the Mandarin Duck (*Aix galericulata*), exhibit a similar but less pronounced alignment. However, the term remains most strongly tied to the rail family due to its prevalence and distinctness in that group.

Observers and researchers often note the felloweyed trait as a key identifying feature when distinguishing between similar species within the *Rallidae* family. The trait is also occasionally referenced in literature and field guides as a notable anatomical quirk that contributes to the ecological niche of these birds.