Whereas other predators often use speed or surprise to get close enough to
their quarry for the kill, owls have developed near-silent flight to come
upon their prey by stealth. This is made possible by the cool way owls are
put together.
So much of an owls apparent body size is comprised of loose and soft body
feathers, the bird itself weighing very little. Owls have large, broad and
expansive wings which serve to reduce the sound of flapping wings and allow
a buoyant and leisurely flight, with a minimum of turbulence.
A lightweight body in relation to wing area enables this
Long-Eared Owl to convey buoyant flight.
The flight feathers of most birds have a clean edge. Whereas, the leading
edge of the owls flight feathers, together with the outer third or so of
the trailing edge, are armed with a bristly fringe, with softened trailing
edges to the flight feathers, which has the effect of silencing any rush of
air. Additionally, the upper surface of the outer flight feathers has a
rather downy texture which also serves to muffle sound.
The flight feathers of a Barn Owl in full expanse.
Thus, wings, feather and body design combine to muffle wind flow and create almost silent flight.
The silent flight of owls serves two main purposes. It enables them to approach their prey without detection, and also reduces background noise, which allows them to hear sounds from their quarry without interference.
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