Or do they have to turn their head so that an eye is facing that direction?
If we are talking about parakeets and lovebirds, then they will basically have 360 vision, due to their eyes being right on the side of their head. This allowed them to see predators in the wild before it was too late.
Your birds just wanted to get a better look at your daughter lol. See what she was up to 
If we are talking about an owl, or a bird similar, however, they’re right on the front of the head, but they can spin their head 270, so they still have good all round vision.
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it depends on the shape of their heads. owls face forward so they see forward like we do. parakeets’ eyes are on the side of their head so they can only see forward a little bit. it is easier for them to turn their heads so they can see more of you.