ELi5: Why do small animals (birds, squirrels, etc.) have such “faster reflexes” than humans?

Question

I understand they are smaller and can move faster than humans, but why can they wait so long before moving?

For instance, when you’re driving and a bird is able to wait until the absolutely last second before flying away and avoiding getting hit. What allows animals to have such better reflexes?

In: Biology

Answer 1

According to this article, metabolic rates are another factor that changes perception of time/ reflexes. So the faster a creature’s metabolic rate, the slower that they perceive time, leading to faster reaction speeds.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/small-animals-live-in-a-slow-motion-world/#:~:text=A%20recent%20study%20in%20Animal,animals%20a%20rapidly%20flashing%20light.