The Mystery Of The Silent Owl

Owls are amazing night hunters. Did you know they can fly almost silently? As this owl takes off, its large wings help it move smoothly through the night. Look closely at its feathers. Their special design helps reduce noise. The soft, fringed feather edges help break up the sound of moving air. Many tiny feathers work together. They help the owl glide through the air with very little noise. Special feathers help control the air around the wings and reduce sound. Owls can glide with very few wing beats, helping them stay quiet while hunting. Even when an owl flaps, its special feathers help keep the sound very soft. An owl can fly right over you and you may never hear it coming. After landing, the owl listens carefully, using its amazing hearing to find prey. Soft feathers and smooth wings work together to create the owl's silent flight. So the next time an owl flies overhead, listen carefully. You may see it before you ever hear it.