Silent Flight
The edges of an owl’s flight feathers are fuzzy and soft. This muffles air rushing over them, allowing the owl to swoop down silently.
Fake Ears
The pointy things atop a screech-owl’s head aren’t ears. They’re tufts of feathers. Its ears are hidden under feathers on its face.
Jeepers Peepers!
A screecher’s oversized eyes see well in the dark. But owls can’t move their eyeballs. They have to turn their head to look left or right.
Radar Dish Face
Feathers on a screech-owl’s face form a bowl that funnels faint sounds — like the squeak of a hidden mouse — to the owl’s ears.
Pint-Sized Predator
Fully grown, a screech-owl is barely bigger than a bean can. Robins and blue jays both stand taller than these stocky, 8-inch owls.
All But Invisible
The camouflage pattern on a screech-owl’s feathers helps the owl disappear against a barky background.
Also In This Issue
They’re big. They’re hairy. But are they really scary?
Missouri may not have palm-lined beaches, snowcapped mountains, or a Grand Canyon. But we certainly have our share of jaw-dropping scenery.
And More...
This Issue's Staff
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Art Director – Ben Nickelson
Editor – Matt Seek
Subscriptions – Marcia Hale
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber