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

In respect to cars v birds & insects, doesn’t or wouldn’t the air flowing in front and over a moving car effectively pull the animal/insect through a ‘slip stream’? Maybe they don’t fly around at all..