Academic Decathlon Science Practice Test

Owls are known for near-silent flight because their wing feathers are specially designed to muffle sound as they move through the air. The front edges of their primary wing feathers have serrations that break up air turbulence, reducing the high-frequency noises that wingbeats usually create. The rest of the feather surface is soft and velvety, which dampens sound further as air flows over the wings. Plus, owls tend to beat their wings in a smooth, slower way, which minimizes loud gusts of air. Together, these adaptations make their flight unusually quiet, helping them approach prey undetected. So, the statement is true in everyday observations of owl hunting and flight.