What Makes Owls So Quiet and So Deadly? | Deep Look

It's stealth, not speed that makes owls such exceptional hunters. Zoom way in on their phenomenal feathers to see what makes them whisper-quiet.
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DEEP LOOK: a new ultra-HD (4K) short video series created by KQED San Francisco and presented by PBS Digital Studios. See the unseen at the very edge of our visible world. Get a new perspective on our place in the universe and meet extraordinary new friends. Explore big scientific mysteries by going incredibly small.
--- How do owls hunt silently?
When birds flap their wings it creates turbulences in the air as it rushes over their wings. In general, the larger a bird is and the faster it flies, the larger the turbulence created and that means more sound.
The feathers at the leading edge of an owl’s wings have an unusual serrated appearance, referred to as a comb or fringe. The tiny hooked projections stick out and break up the wind as it flows over the owl’s wings reducing the size and sound of the turbulences.
Owl feathers go one step further to control sound. When viewed up-close, owl feathers appear velvety. The furry texture absorbs and dampens sound like a sound blanket. It also allows the feathers to quietly slide past each other in flight, reducing rusting sounds.
--- Why do owls hunt at night?
Owls belong to a group called raptors which also so includes with hawks, eagles and falcons. Most of these birds of prey hunt during the day and rely on. But unlike most other raptors, the roughly 200 species of owl are generally nocturnal while others are crepuscular, meaning that they’re active around dawn and dusk.
They have extremely powerful low-light vision, and finely tuned hearing which allows them to locate the source of even the smallest sound. Owls simply hide and wait for their prey to betray its own location. As ambush hunters, owls tend to rely on surprise more often than their ability to give chase.
--- Why do owls hoot?
With Halloween around the corner, you might have noticed a familiar sound in the night. It’s mating season for owls and the sound of their hooting fills the darkness.
According to Chris Clark, an an assistant professor of biology at UC Riverside,, “The reason why owls are getting ready to breed right now in the late fall is because they breed earlier than most birds. The bigger the bird the longer it takes for them to incubate their eggs and for the nestlings to hatch out and or the fledglings to leave the nest. Owls try to breed really early because they want their babies to be leaving the nest and practicing hunting right when there are lots of baby animals around like baby rabbits that are easy prey.”
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Funding for Deep Look is provided in part by PBS Digital Studios and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Deep Look is a project of KQED Science, which is supported by HopeLab, The David B. Gold Foundation; S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation; The Dirk and Charlene Kabcenell Foundation; The Vadasz Family Foundation; Smart Family Foundation and the members of KQED.
#deeplook

[@mitramirpour8289]

It was for some reason relaxing to watch the owl fly.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

+Mitra Mirpour Interesting! They have such grace in their flight, we can see why!

[@joshcassidy7270]

+Mitra Mirpour Mice feel differently about it.

[@faizrafii58]

Ninja of animals

[@hirayan8177]

Mitra Mirpour well maybe beacuse it was silent and satisfying

[@meowmeow2943]

*s a t i f s y i n g g g g*

[@aaron4820]

The production value of these videos don't seem to match its view counts... they're so well made!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

+aaron4820 We'd love more views and subscribers! Thanks for your nice feedback.

[@joshcassidy7270]

+aaron4820 Well then tell your friends, eh? :) We love making these videos, and yes, a lot of work goes into each one. Fortunately, we have a really good team working on them.

[@kisieloski]

+aaron4820 Amen to that! Thank you Deep Look!

[@albertolozano2376]

+aaron4820 Sleeper hit. give it a minute.

[@razzi1357]

aaron4820 ikr

[@erwinhadicandra]

falcon : when you hear their sound, you already late owl : suddenly you are dead

[@Theydas]

Omae Wa Mou Shindeiru

[@frostincubus4045]

@@Theydas NANI?!

[@gerardolareu8415]

ĔĖÆÊĖÅĮÄƏ *dead*

[@isokenoka5798]

I was almost attacked by a light brown and beautiful but deadly owl on a cool evening while standing outside my house but i was so quick to have turned and avoid its swing on my head. It was a narrow escape for me after i saw it within seconds fly away with zero or no sound.

[@Alchemyyyyyy]

@@isokenoka5798 dayumm ur head could’ve been snatched

[@danielcoupland4620]

Owls to me are really beautiful. Look at their eyes for instance.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Indeed!

[@danielcoupland4620]

Deep Look Keep up the great videos. I adore them!

[@KuramiRocket]

Ikr! Idk how people can be afraid of them

[@reivaxedaw2097]

i always wanted an owl to be my pet

[@Keepskatin]

Their eyes look cold and evil....savages would eat humans if they were big enough. They would also eat a dead human.

[@anxietynova4580]

Owls are like Assasins quiet and dangerous

[@numnum8357]

Anxiety Nova Are assassins real?

[@cutebreatty123]

With long legs

[@creedenstar]

I read this fast so I thought it said Asians

[@aubreywean680]

@@numnum8357 yes

[@flora4789]

@@creedenstar same omg

[@jadejadejadejadejadejadejade]

It's almost like the Owls were trained to pose

[@larkcore]

I was just thinking that!🦉

[@johnbagz2000]

Wym

[@thomasbeardslee2418]

Well said

[@josephlara2188]

I've figured out a new nickname for owls: "Cats of the Skies."

[@adamal-sharif4597]

I have one HOOODINI

[@galahad5658]

Great Horned owls have the nick-name Tigers of the Skies, because they are known for their fighting, I even heard rumors of them killing Eagles

[@mancheaseskrelpher8419]

No, cats are flightless owls!

[@hikariwhite7587]

No more it's of "ninja of bird world"

[@kyledolor5257]

Assassin's Owl where they use air assassination

[@aveexcaliburfx9022]

love her voice

[@jenbroccoli861]

Irfanzamry Sameee....lol!!!!

[@darklabaniego9550]

same here!!! its so soft and easy to listen to...

[@wenhui3415]

Irfanzamry ikr, i spent owls watching all the videos.

[@faizrafii58]

i dont know why but i like her sound

[@nicolerivera9528]

same its so odly satisfying

[@sc0608023]

Beautiful, elegant and majestic creature.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

+sc0608023 Aren't they incredible?

[@aaron4820]

+sc0608023 The owls are not what they seem.

[@sakaarmathur225]

Deep Look which breed of owl is this? It looks so amazing

[@sakaarmathur225]

Tiffany Nguyen thank you so much :)

[@sachin.maharathy]

"Less flapping means less noise" true wisdom for life.😂😂

[@Emily-xo7tu]

not funny

[@pilosopher974]

@@Emily-xo7tu hehe

[@mann_idonotreadreplies]

Alah Akbar 😂

[@lorenzoburton3974]

😆

[@Chad-bx5ukTherearenocountries]

@@mann_idonotreadreplies amen.

[@Tymdek]

I two years ago I worked at a falconry for a work experience/internship, and I had to do with many owls like snowy owls, brown wood owls and eurasian eagle owls and some other birds of prey like bald eagles and two striated caracaras (They were hilarious and always tried to snatch away my cap). And what should I say...it was amazing. Except that last day when one of the brown wood owls bit my finger. If you ever try to pet or feed or work with an owl, keep your fingers away from that beak. It hurts when you get bit, and I still have the scars. Well, after that bit of rambling I wanted to say that I absolutely love your channel, you make some of the best science related videos I've ever seen on KZbin. Thanks for that and greetings from Germany :D

[@Tymdek]

by the way 0:42 Nice catch!

[@ohisoise4872]

idk how I came across this channel..... but I'm captivated... new sub here🖒

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Welcome!

[@elise0127]

S A M E

[@zombieikan6146]

ohis oise same

[@audreyn1996]

ohis oise same

[@AHibbs-tu7ks]

Beautiful and interesting, as always! After watching the hummingbird wind tunnel piece my 5-year old son said with awe "Wow. I want to be a scientist." For reals.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

+A. Hibbs WOW! What an awesome thing to hear/read! We're so happy we could show your son how incredible science is. Thanks so much for sharing that experience with us.

[@Chad-bx5ukTherearenocountries]

@@KQEDDeepLook no comment other than I'd rather use the mouth god gave me to say what I feel.

[@TrinityGlory]

I've always held a special place in my heart for owls and it was really nice to see them being portrayed so beautifully in this video. I really appreciate the effort put in making this video :D

[@KQEDDeepLook]

+Timothy Liew We're big fans of owls here too. Thank you for the kind words!

[@ShutterAuthority]

Awesome video! 'The Superb Owl' sent me here.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

So glad you came - the Superb owl video cracked us up. Joe and his team really outdid themselves.

[@ShutterAuthority]

Haha Absolutely!

[@ph11p3540]

Superlaminar aerodynamics. Owls had this for thousands of years. Man is just learning about it.

[@hackerplaysgames8177]

. ..sdfd ..

[@Sara3346]

*Millions of years.

[@mollykate422]

the videos you guys produce are absolutely stunning! very well done !!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks, Molly, we love making them.

[@ResanChea]

They look so peaceful but so deadly... These close up clips really make owls even more awesome

[@MrWowh]

Nature is beautiful, just like that voice! read me a bed time story!!!

[@69cheesyfries]

This video was SO relaxing! Especially the close up shots of the owls feathers... They looked luxurious and comfy for some reason 😂 The voice of the woman who narrated this whole episode was so soothing too! The photography was AMAZING... What can I say, I can't seem to compliment this video enough!!

[@jocelynuy2922]

Why do you think some people want to pet them?

[@mundal2831]

So much effort in every three minutes. That camera man is awesome. That camera is awesome. That narrator is awesome. That info is awesome. That channel is awesome. Plz don't quit we need you. KZbin needs you. Just the problem is that most people are unaware

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks so much for the kudos!

[@algormortis6974]

I really love how you choose your words Deep Look. Every moment of your videos are nice to our eyes and ears.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you so much 😀

[@DoctorChained]

I went to FAU for a year before going to UF. I consider myself a UF student but I think it's so cool FAU's mascot is the owl. Unfortunately there aren't many owls left around FAU. My dad went there and he said they used to be everywhere.

[@sharkyibe5931]

The quietness and gliding of the owl is very relaxing

[@Eversor]

Just found this channel but some of the best videos ive seen so far!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

+Eversor Thanks so much! We appreciate it!

[@idkjenz]

I agree

[@Viveknannuri]

the perfection that they have reached in making such videos is just unfathomable. nice work continue to do the same

[@GamePlayerFX]

I'm so happy that i found your channel, short videos, always on point with no silly jokes and with detailed information about the amazing nature, you definitely deserve much more subscribers, congratulations for your amazing work.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you!

[@RareCandeh]

ASMR Owl Sounds, Prey Eating, Wing Flapping

[@ethannn4067]

Now the ASMR community are coming for you 😂

[@firestar1056]

for some reason this entire video was muted for me

[@stardustlover8446]

Y e s

[@williama.2917]

I love birds, I want to be an ornithologist!

[@sakaarmathur225]

Average The Nerd can you tell me which breed of owl is this? I wanna know, please.

[@daisymay6505]

Eagle owl

[@sercantor1]

nice video as always! owls are such cool creatures honestly

[@KQEDDeepLook]

+sercan tor Thank you for your kind words! Owls are amazing creatures to watch and film!

[@wiertara1337]

+Deep Look And to listen to! ...nevermind

[@QUARTERMASTEREMI6]

+sercan tor Just a observation & this has nothing to do with owls, but I do love your account photo (Nikola Tesla-nice touch.) :)

[@MaryEllenWilsonAG]

Wonderful and delightful. I am sharing them everywhere I can. Saw them first on PBS.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

That's great Mary. So glad you enjoy them.

[@germaineboatwala-sidhva1079]

One of my favourite animals. Unique and special. I loved the details about it's wings and flight and the apt comparison with the falcon. 👍

[@terrythometz9482]

Magnificent. Beautiful work. It must have been incredibly difficult to capture this footage. It really does justice to these extraordinary creatures. Thank you.

[@davezuniga5581]

I can't believe I just found this channel today. You guys have such great content. Now I have a new channel to binge watch while I sleep at night haha. And very beautiful voice to listen to!

[@williammagner664]

I was highly impressed with the quality of this production. Everything from the narrative to the excellent camera clips was crafted with care.

[@tabby53152144]

Owls are such delightful birds.

[@tortoisehare]

Your videos are short but amazing, and definitely witty! I hope your subscription count grows, you definitely deserve a huge following because of the quality you guys work so hard to produce. Thank you!

[@muzaffarahmed26]

I have never seen a youtube channel like this before! Really amazing!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Wow, thank you for the compliment!

[@turdmanj0nesgt9]

i like owls you can tell from my name

[@vash0021]

I don't comment often but I just want to write a blanket comment for all of Deep Look videos. All of these are amazing and so well made. I love this KZbin channel so much that I plan on donating on Patreon when I can. I love your look into wildlife and the presenters are amazing. Love you guys and please don't stop what you are doing. Also your wildlife footage really helps my anxiety, really relaxing to watch

[@susannahayres-thomas7185]

Such incredibly well-designed, beautiful creatures, owls are. I don't think they're 'sneaky'... Just efficient, and fabulous hunters. Thank you for an amazing & educational video.--oh! And I subscribed after the first time I watched a Deep Look video. Thank you again!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks for subscribing! We're glad you like our videos!

[@ShaerAhmed]

I don't know why this channel was hidden away from me for such a long time. i subscribed a few months ago and these days these videos so frequently show up in my homepage and i get to be mesmerized! thanks for such awesome videos, Deep Look! :)

[@KQEDDeepLook]

We don't know either. But we're glad you can find us now!

[@youthspotlight2052]

Hey Deep Look! I have watched every single episode that you guys have made. I love nature and shoot some scuba diving videos on my own. I guess I wanted to say that I really enjoyed the behind the scenes that you guys did for the caddisfly and whether or not you could do more like that? I love your content and the cinematography behind it is amazing.

[@dawidn3607]

This makes it look like you are comparing 2 different fighter jets and it only takes a second to understand how beautifully engineered they are. I love the details and the fact that nature and evolution prepared them is such an excellent fashion

[@NatureWitch]

Owls are so beautiful! There are some by my house at night in the spring and summer. It was hooting a lot lol I hooed back and it was almost like he or she was talking back to me haha 😂

[@Civ1710]

I love the videos that you guys make. I have a five year old son and the topics and production value are always good enough to hold his attention. these videos have been a good way for me to instill in him that learning can be cool and fun. Thank you for all that you do. p.s. I subscribed a long time ago but I can share a couple videos on Facebook for you.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

+Anthony Ciavattone That's the best kind of feedback. Thank you for your comment and sharing Deep Look with your son! We appreciate your subscription and sharing, thanks again!

[@tieuwest]

Hi Deep look, i really like the channel and I subscribed it today. Best choice ever. I just want to ask can you make a longer document in a near future? It's super nice and informative with these short videos and I really want something nice a fulfilling document about nature like this. Thank you.

[@tomitstube]

i'll never forget being in this missouri nature preserve. we were walking along about dusk and an owl with about a 6 foot wing span flew right over the top of us from behind, never heard it but felt the wind it was pushing. we just looked at each other in amazement as it flew off into the dark in complete silence.

[@jasminbautista3367]

I really like these videos. They're short but informative, the video quality is amazing I really enjoy looking closer to the different types of animals. Definitely subscribed!

[@SummerRene]

0:09 tHAT OWL IS SO FLUFFY AND CUTE I LOVE IT I WANNA HUG IT

[@BAPH0METAL]

Wow that's really a beautiful owl ^-^

[@TanyaStankeva]

Fantastic work, guys. We appreciate your efforts and attention to detail. Thank you!!!!

[@gerryj313]

Owl is my spirit animal: wise, cunning, sneaky, quiet, and yet deadly.

[@nateandguitar]

I love owls! Can you do another one about their amazing hearing and asymmetrical ears? Thanks for the fantastic content and production quality!

[@OMG-xr4cc]

1:00 Those eyes. Beautiful.

[@Podcastalnaseem]

You mean what makes owls so cute and so adorable? 🥺✨MAJESTIC BEAUTY

[@akiragurung1043]

Hi deep look I just wanted to let you know your videos are what I look forward to every morning before I go to school. Its like pre educating myself on the world around me its quite fascinating. Thanks for the amazing content!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks Akira!

[@thomasbeardslee2418]

Study hard in school like i wish i had!!

[@CharlesMacKay88]

excellent footage, content, and length. fantastic series. keep up the good work

[@KQEDDeepLook]

+Charles MacKay Thank you Charles! We hope you have subscribed!

[@gracekean1001]

I love owls

[@pervinchouhan3310]

aapke paas ullu hoto contact kare 7999616151

[@chingannwu3085]

I didn't know owls' feathers are so amazing before！ Thanks for all the great videos Lauren and I love your voice

[@reggiemarcelino]

this is so persuasive to watch, love her voice the humor and every detailed information in these videos.

[@skurjh4h475]

2:37 Vanoss:That's My Cousin over there

[@yourmomyourmomyourmom7633]

This great channel deserves more subscribers for the cool videos they do!

[@MEDICx87]

Wow, what an awesome channel. These videos are almost as fascinating and beautiful as mother nature herself. Great clips, editing, audio, content, and narration. Just found this channel today and definitely subbed. Amazing stuff.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you! Welcome to our channel. Anything you'd like to see?

[@vagnersilva5465]

2:20 Natural selection working here. Look at the owl's colors. It suits perfect to the environment. I didn't even noticed he was there for a moment.

[@spacepan5435]

I don't know who made these shots of these feathers, but I am extremely jealous of their camera, haha! Also, I did not know this, and I really like this channel. Wonder why there are so few subscribers, compared to what they show.

[@fubar12345]

Probably a Red Weapon or Brain. Those cameras are insane.

[@keon5721]

These are so cool! It makes me want to pet an owl lol.

[@oxeye3159]

Same.

[@baroonono]

what a great channel. subbed. please don't stop~ continue making cool & informative contents! thank you for the continuous efforts in making all these videos. good job team! :)

[@baroonono]

going through every video :D

[@yliberal6355]

I just recently subscribed. I truly enjoy how much detailed information your channel provides. I'm very grateful for your sharing vital information that I would otherwise have never known!!!

[@shaniquaharris9775]

Narrator: What makes owls quietly but- Owl: Who?

[@gold8780]

*My whole life I thought I was a falcon, fast & furious.* *But turns out I'm just an Owl.* Not fast, but still furious enough ! 😉

[@jungemarcuago3347]

I love the way she talk and explain everything.

[@rajveerhada1879]

Voice is amazing. Owls are my favourite birds

[@j.j.b.13]

I havent received my mail from hogwarts

[@daniellecarter7555]

Me either!

[@arielmendozagnogal3023]

I love Deep Look!

[@TimJim333]

Great shots and commentary; loved it! Any chance you can elaborate on 'break up the wind'? As from my understanding, protrusions on the leading edge would introduce more turbulence, and hence noise, into the airflow. Thanks! Awesome channel btw! =)

[@MrsCaranAmy]

Owls have truly mastered the art of hunting their prey. Awesome video. Thank you. Hope to watch more soon.

[@nattymaq]

My new favorite animal 😃

[@skylerwhite7547]

i love their feathers!!😂

[@Vack91]

Amazing video. I’ve watched a couple about the silent flight of the owls, and none talked about their feathers; the close-ups are amazing. Great job! Thanks for clearing my doubts and, of course, new subscriber! 😊

[@duotrapeze72]

I can't get over these videos... stunning and interesting

[@TheMoghrabimahmoud]

subscribed to this amazing channel

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you Meemo!

[@aliminhassadwal]

Amazing nature

[@88123z]

We love your channel!

[@stamphillthyrniang8469]

Sometimes i just feel calm by listening to the stories,its like a fairy tales 😊😊😊

[@asdawece]

I am very curious about people who dislikes such content. I respect but why? I just want to know why?

[@duesalbladesinger7900]

They're trolls, they're having a bad day, they didn't like the narrator's voice, they hate women in general, they hate owls, they hate falcons, they hate birds of prey, they hate birds, they hate nature, they have a habit of disliking things other people like, etc etc. Take your pick. The potential reasons are limitless.

[@deffdefying4803]

Duesal Bladesinger Or they’re bots. That’s actually a thing.

[@RNoctowl]

Man i missed my lil owl :'( No need likes i just wanna hug my owl :(((

[@carmen9706]

I love your show! Thank you & please keep up the great work 🦉

[@heureuxleey]

really love the quality of the videos! good job :)

[@zerad3307]

Amy i really love your voice!! i'm addicted!! lol. you have any social media ?? please let me know :)

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Hi Kevin, you can follow Amy here: twitter.com/amystanden Also check out her podcast called The Leap!

[@Alphanatrix-ks2vo]

Its sad how I’ve never seen an owl We need to help protect them as a spices

[@Torgo1969]

A lot of owls are listed as of Least Concern, so I'm not too worried.

[@mystermysterio5348]

Love It ... The Deep Look was in the silence of the Wings in flight through the dark at night. 💙

[@eleazarnicosales4957]

I've always been a fan of nature documentaries...really love your work and hope to see more great footages of birds of prey ^^

[@PriyabrataMohapatraiitmadras]

0:59 Meme material.

[@Payday5]

You dare fight me you mortals? ~mr owl~

[@donalde.dotdot3585]

she said "leave a comment below." I hope DEEP LOOK Replies

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Hi Donald

[@donalde.dotdot3585]

+Deep Look Yeehey!!! thanks

[@Popsomechicken]

People say geese are the gangsters of the bird world... Maybe. But, Owls are the hitmen.

[@enikopetohazi182]

This is one of the !!BEST!!videos!

[@CrimsonStigmata]

I want a pet owl now. >_>"

[@thescholarlywalrus1138]

It will kill you while you sleep. (\\ (-'v'-) //)

[@sanzep]

It's not as easy as you think, they requiere a lot of cares, I have a pigmy owl and he's just 10cm long, imagine a bigger one.

[@westcoastfalconry]

They are VERY noisy at night. I have 4.

[@Macieks300]

incredible footage

[@joshcassidy7270]

+Macieks300 Thank you. I was pretty amazed at how fuzzy the owl feathers were under the microscope.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

+Macieks300 Why thank you!

[@ashmitakaran6755]

Wow....those feathers are beautiful.......keep up the sneaky work owls!

[@mayusicart_17]

She has incredibly powerful night vision. Owl : 👁️V👁️