โ“ why

Why do owls fly so silently?

AnimalsBirds

Quick Answer

Their feathers have special fringed edges and soft surfaces that break up airflow and reduce noise. This helps them sneak up on prey at night.

The Full Story

Owls are famous for nearly silent flight, and their feathers are a major reason why. The leading edges of their wings have fringes that reduce turbulence, while the soft, velvety texture of many feathers dampens sound. Broad wings also let owls glide at lower speeds, which cuts down on the whooshing noise typical of many birds. Silent flight gives owls a big advantage when hunting rodents and other small animals in darkness. It is one of the most remarkable bird adaptations for stealth.

Key Facts

1.Fringed wing feathers reduce turbulence
2.Soft feather surfaces absorb sound
3.Silent flight helps owls hunt at night

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"The secret behind an owlโ€™s ghostlike flight"