MCR Monthly Newsletter

April 2026

AMAZING OWLS – The Superman of the Bird World!

The world is full of things that to humans seem impossible! While completely adequate for us, many of our senses are humbled by other members of the animal kingdom.  But when it comes to auditory detection, sight and stealth, owls reign supreme!

Humans have ears positioned on the opposite sides of our heads which is adequate for discerning things from to the left or right. Owls (Strigiformes) on the other hand, have a dish-shaped facial disc of feathers which funnels sound to its ears which are asymmetrically arranged (under the feathers) with the right ear being higher than the left ear. This unique anatomy allows for superb 3-dimensional acoustic detection for not only left and right but also up, down, and precise distance determination! 

An owl can detect sounds as low as 10Hz (a mouse’s heartbeat beneath snow) which is well below the range of human hearing (humans can’t hear frequencies below 20Hz). Also, owls can detect ultrasonic sounds of insects reaching to 30,000Hz (typically, humans can’t hear above 20,000Hz).  Accordingly, an owl’s brain has evolved to make sense and efficiently use this extra information. Case in point, while hunting, an owl’s brain can process and react to auditory stimuli in only 20 milli-seconds! Whereas humans take 50 to 60 milli-seconds to respond to auditory stimuli!

Another evolutionary feature of owls is that their feathers are uniquely adapted for silent flight, with a velvety downy top that absorbs sound and break-up air turbulence, making them almost silent in flight.  Also, owls possess large, forward-facing eyes that provide a wide range of binocular vision — roughly 70 degrees of their 110 degree total visual field. This forward configuration enables exceptional depth perception and 3D vision, crucial for hunting. Because their tubular eyes are fixed in their sockets, owls must rotate their necks up to see around them.

These enhanced abilities to hear and locate prey, binocular vison and then to be able to silently fly in and surprise prey, makes owls very efficient predators!

Interestingly, owls will only reproduce if there is enough food to sustain their young. Food availability is one of the most critical factors determining whether owls reproduce. If resources are scarce, they may not reproduce at all or have a smaller clutch.  This makes them a group to be admired in regard to population control and resource management. Just a few reasons they are referred to as “The wise old owl!”

FUN FACT:  There are eight primary species of owls found in New Jersey, including year-round residents like the Great Horned, Barred, and Eastern Screech Owls, along with winter visitors like the Snowy Owl. 

Enjoy this spring-like weather!

Yours in conservation, passionately,

Ranger Rich