Owls are amazing birds of prey that attract in appearance and are a symbol of wisdom. Find out why owls fly quieter than other birds?

Characteristic features of owls

The order of owls is represented by two families:

• owls (real owls);
• barn owls.

All representatives of this squad, without exception, are predators. There are about 200 species, while they are distributed almost throughout the world. The appearance of owls is distinguished by a large-sized head, large eyes located on the front of the head, a short beak, long and sharp claws. They also have a masking color, which allows predators to remain invisible.

Interesting fact: The smallest representative of owls is an owl-elf. Its size is only 13.5 cm and its weight is 31 g. It is widespread in North America. The largest individuals are eagle owls. Some reach about 75 cm.

Depending on the species, owls can lead a nocturnal, daytime lifestyle or show the same activity at any time of the day. Mostly these are still night predators. Most owls feed on small rodents. Also, small birds and fish may be included in their diet.

Owls are able to successfully move and hunt in complete darkness. However, they succeed thanks to excellent hearing, and not perfect vision, as many tend to think. Owls need water to quench their thirst and swim.But if necessary, they can do without it for a long time.

It is believed that owls can form flocks called parliament. But in fact, they prefer a solitary lifestyle. Birds are unique in that they live in various natural conditions - in the steppes, forests, mountains, on the coasts and even in cities. Thanks to the destruction of small rodents, they bring great benefits to agriculture.

How do owls fly?

Owls are able to fly without making any sounds. Moreover, often, approaching their target, they begin to scream very sharply and loudly. The scream is aimed at scaring the rodents, making them move, and thereby give out their exact location.

Most owls have long and rounded wings in the upper part. Feathers are divided into primary and secondary fly. The primary ones are usually 11 in one wing, and the minor ones are from 14 to 18. The tail is relatively short, rounded and consists of 12 tail feathers.

The flight of predators is characterized by high speed, maneuverability, but does not last long. Owls alternate wingspan and planning. They move low above the ground in search of food.

What makes it possible for an owl to move silently? The secret of a quiet flight is the special structure of the pen. The fact is that the feathers of the wings, which form the wings, on the outside are distinguished by a special bend. It is this bend that muffles the sound of friction of the feathers. Also, the hind wing of the owls is softer than that of other birds. The surface of the wings is rough, but at the same time elastic, soft.

All of these factors contribute to noise reduction. The fluff of owls covering their body is softer and denser compared to other birds. Probably, this feature is due to the way of life of owls.

In addition, barn Owls much less often and slowly flap their wings compared to other birds. But this does not prevent them from staying in the air. The principle of the difference in air pressure, which is also used in aircraft construction, works. Under the wing, air moves more slowly than above it.

Interesting fact: Owls feeding on fish do not have such noise-canceling technologies. Fish eagle owls and other species do not need such a function during hunting, so in calm weather they can be heard for several tens of meters.

Specialists continue to study owls and structural features of their body, wings. Research in this area has found practical application in engineering. For example, the knowledge gained can be applied in aircraft manufacturing by upgrading aircraft with minimal noise.

In addition, scientists used the results of research to develop a new coating for the blades of windmills. It provides almost silent operation, but does not affect the aerodynamic properties.

Silent flight of owls is provided by several factors. Their wings consist of feathers with a special structure. Outside, the feathers are slightly curved and muffle the noise of the wings. The back of the wings is soft, and the entire surface is elastic. The fluff covering the body is soft and dense.All these properties help to suppress noise and help owls to hunt. However, for some species (for example, fish owls) silent movement is unusual for them, since they do not need it.