The Way of the Owl: Interesting Fact #4

Nature helps the fledgling birds of prey whoe wing and tail feathers are actually longer during their first year than they will be for the rest of their lives. The longer flight feathers give them added stability but sacrifice maneuverability. It's exactly the way air force pilots are taught to fly -- first in planes with large wings that are steady but not built for delicate maneuvers. As the pilot gains experience, he graduates to planes with shorter and shorter wings until he can fly the extremely agile fighter jets that can dogfight and turn on a dime in combat. Amazingly, nature gives this same advantage to beginner owl pilots.

Unlike other birds, barn owls have extremely soft flight feathers with serrated edges that mute the sound of their wings so that no noise interferes with hearing their pray. This silent flight also enables them to sneak up on their prey.

Since barn owls can't oil their feathers, they are at a terrible disadvantage because they're not waterproofed like other birds. They get soaking wet quite easily and can become so weighted down by their soggy feathers that they can't fly. If an owl isn't able to dry off quickly, it can shiver with cold and die.