Barn Owl swooping

A Barn Owl swoops silently on an unsuspecting prey. Note the talons (2 forward, 2 backwards) spread wide to increase the area of the strike. The sound of the Barn Owl's wings are muffled by a velvety pile on the feather surface. In addition, the leading edges of the wing feathers have a fringe or fine comb which deadens the sound of the wing beats.