Why Owls Are Special Predators
Owls have evolved as specialised hunters that have many special features to help them locate and catch their prey. Each species of owl has a range of incredible features and attributes that many other birds do not possess, but which gives owls the ‘tools’ to survive.
Some species have:
• Eyes that can see in almost total darkness
• Ear tufts to break up their outline and increase camouflage
• Cryptic plumage to aid camouflage
• Soft feathers with a comb-like ‘fringe’ on the flight feathers which acts to displace less air when flying, aiding silent flight.
• Round facial discs with special feathers to ‘catch’ sound and direc the sound into the ear openings
• Asymmetrical ear openings to help ears work independently (ie.not in stereo)
• Different size ear openings that can hear at different frequencies.
• A toe that swivels so talons can be used 2+2 for squeezing prey or 3+1 for gripping a branch.
