Owls – basic details
Owls are fascinating creatures, renowned for their silent flight, keen senses, and captivating eyes.
Diversity: Over 250 owl species exist worldwide, found on every continent except Antarctica.
Eyes: Forward-facing eyes for exceptional binocular vision and depth perception in the dark. Fixed eyes, so they turn their heads for a panoramic view (up to 270 degrees!)
Ears: Asymmetrically placed ears with facial discs to pinpoint sounds with incredible accuracy.
Habitat:Diverse,includingforests, deserts, mountains, and even urban areas.
Predators: Nocturnal hunters for the most part, but some species are diurnal or crepuscular.
Diet: Primarily small mammals like rodents, but also insects, birds, fish, and reptiles.
Hunting: Silent flight, keen hearing, and sharp eyesight make them formidable hunters.
Mating: Monogamous pairs, often staying together for life.
Eggs: Lay 1-12 eggs, with parental care provided by both parents.
What enables owls to fly silently?
Wing Structure and Feather Design:
Large wings: Broad wings generate ample lift, allowing owls to glide effortlessly with minimal flapping, reducing noise.
Feathery fringe: Soft, hair-like feathers on the trailing edge of wings disrupt air turbulence, muffling the whooshing sound typical of bird flight.
Comb-like leading edges: Primary feathers have serrated edges that break down air into smaller, quieter vortices, preventing the loud "flutter" sound.
Velvety texture: Owl feathers have a velvety down layer that absorbs sound waves generated by air movement over the wings.
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