73 of 100: Red-eyed birds (and a couple of friends)

I don't even know why I'm numbering these entries still, but I am—on to 100! Why not? 

Today, though, I'd like to simply showcase some faces. In particular, some faces with red eyes. This was prompted by a photo I stumbled on on FB (I should just call this blog "Facebook Inspiration") of condor #665, Redwood Son, by Tim Huntington (click on the photos to see them large):

But that got me thinking about other birds with red eyes. So: here are a few, for your wonderment.

Red-eyed vireo

Eared grebe

Western grebe (with chick)

Black crake, South Africa

Canvasback

Black-crowned night heron

Spotted towhee

Fire-eyed diucon, Chile

But now for a couple of non-birds:

Oak treehopper

Red-eyed tree frog

Tenasserim pit viper, Thailand

Just why all these creatures have red eyes isn't clear. In birds, it may be for display purposes—to catch the eye of a mate. In reptiles and bugs, who knows? But the effect sure is beautiful.