14 DAY TRIAL // Silent flight is one of the main advantages that owls rely upon when hunting at night. For some time, researchers have wondered about how the birds achieve the performance of producing no noises while flapping their wings. A new study reveals that the secret lies within special plumage on the wings.
These feathers are arranged in such a way that they virtually eliminate any type of aerodynamic noise associated with the wings. This makes the owl one of the deadliest predators, especially during the night. Aided by its sharp vision and even sharper claws, the owl rarely fails to capture its prey.
According to researcher Justin Jaworski, an assistant professor with the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics at Lehigh University, there are three main attributes that enable owls to fly silently, Science Blog reports.
The first is a series of very stiff feathers that are distributed along the leading edge of the wing. Conversely, the trailing edge is outfitted with very flexible feathers, which reduce air flow noises. Finally, a special material coats the upper part of the wings, further contributing to a smooth airflow.