How do owls use their feathers for silent flight?

Owls have specialized feathers that help them fly silently, which is essential for hunting. Their flight feathers are designed with soft, velvety edges that break up the turbulence created by air passing over the wings, reducing noise. Additionally, owls have a unique structure in their primary feathers: the leading edges are serrated, which helps to minimize noise by creating a vortex that dampens sound. This adaptation allows owls to swoop down on prey with minimal sound, making them highly effective hunters.