п»їHow Do Owls Fly Silently?

Quck answer

Owls can fly silently due to their unique feather structure and specialized flight adaptations. Their feathers have serrated edges that break up airflow and reduce noise. Additionally, they have soft velvety down feathers that muffle sound. Owls also have large wings that allow them to glide through the air with minimal flapping, further reducing noise. They also have specialized leg and foot muscles that enable them to land quietly on prey. All of these adaptations allow owls to fly silently, making them highly effective hunters.

Wildlife

Owls’ Impact on Aircraft Design and Aeronautics

The silent flight of owls might be the key to reducing airplane noise.
Photo credit: NASA

Engineers are constantly searching for ways to improve aircraft technology, and nature serves as the greatest source of inspiration. They are taking cues from the design of owl wings to reduce noise generated by aircraft while keeping takeoff energy efficient.

Geoffrey Lilley, an emeritus professor of aeronautics and astronautics at the University of Southampton in England, studies owl flight and its potential benefits for aeronautics. Lilley collaborates with the Quiet Aircraft Technology project within NASA’s Vehicle Systems Program at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. He and his colleagues are exploring the possibilities of aircraft design inspired by owls.

So how can engineers modify a large aircraft to mimic the anatomy of an owl? Researchers suggest that creating retractable fringe to imitate the owl’s trailing feathers is possible. This fringe reduces turbulence and noise for the owl. Some researchers also believe that covering the landing gear with a velvety coating similar to that of an owl will absorb noise, just as it does for the bird [source: Roach].

Could the feathers of owls impact your next flight? Airports like Chicago O’Hare and Heathrow have stringent noise regulations for aircraft takeoff. If engineers find a way to decrease noise, more flights can take off each day, and revenue can increase. For an industry grappling with fuel costs and other challenges, the wise old owl may provide some solutions.

Related HowStuffWorks Articles

• How Airplanes Work
• Meet the World’s Smallest Toughest Owl
• How Does Stealth Technology Work?
• Bird-Watching Activities for Kids

More Great Links

• The Owl Pages
• Owl Research Institute

Sources

• Cornish, Jim. Gander Academy. Owl Myths and Folklore. http://www.cdli.ca/CITE/owl_myths.htm
• Feathered Facts. Rare Species Conservatory Foundation. July 12, 2008. http://www.rarespecies.org/kids/feath.htm
• Greeka.com. The Greece Gods of the Mount Olympus in the Greek Mythology. Greece Mythology: A guide to the mythology of Greece and the Greek Island. http://www.greeka.com/greek-mythology.htm
• Lane, Carolyn and Kennedy, Mike. Lesson -1. Radical Raptors. Raptor Center. College of Veterinary Medicine. Academic Health Center. University of Minnesota. Lesson 1 – Radical Raptors – Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota
• Lew, Karen. Alaska’s Bird of Prey. Division of Wildlife Conservation. Alaska Department of Game and Fish. Teacher Resources. http://www.wildlife.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=birds.raptors
• North Caroline State University Forestry Extension. Wildlife Publications. Owls (WWW-22). July 10, 2008. http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/nreos/forest/pdf/www/www22.pdf
• Roach, John. “Owls Silent Flight May Inspire Quiet Aircraft Tech.” National Geographic News. December 17, 2004. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/12/1217_041217_owl_feathers.html
• Seife, Charles. “Deathly Hush.” NewScientist. March 6, 1999. http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg16121761.100-deathly-hush.html

FAQ

1. How do owls fly silently?

Owls are able to fly silently due to the unique structure of their feathers. The edges of their wings are fringed with hair-like feathers called “fimbriae”, which break up the turbulence of air as it passes over the wing. This reduces the amount of noise created by the air passing over the wings, resulting in a near-silent flight. Additionally, their large wingspan allows them to fly with slower wing beats, generating less noise than other birds.

2. Why do owls need to fly silently?

Owls are nocturnal hunters, and their prey is often small and fast-moving. Flying silently allows them to sneak up on their prey without being heard, giving them a better chance of a successful hunt. It also helps them avoid detection by potential predators.

3. Can all owls fly silently?

Most owls have the ability to fly silently, but some species are better at it than others. The barn owl, for example, is known for its exceptionally quiet flight.

4. Does the size of the owl affect how silently it can fly?

Yes, the size of the owl can affect how silently it can fly. Smaller owls, such as the elf owl, have smaller and more delicate feathers, which make it harder for them to fly silently. Larger owls, on the other hand, have larger feathers that are better suited for silent flight.

5. Are there any other animals that can fly silently?

Yes, some other animals have evolved the ability to fly silently. Bats, for example, have a similar feather-like structure on the leading edge of their wings that helps to reduce noise. Some species of moths and butterflies also have specialized scales on their wings that reduce noise.

6. How can scientists use the study of owl flight to improve technology?

The study of owl flight has inspired scientists to develop new technologies that mimic the silent flight of owls. One example is the development of quieter wind turbines, which use similar feather-like structures to reduce noise. It has also led to the creation of quieter fans and ventilation systems that use owl-inspired designs.