Owls have always been fascinating to both people who love nature and people who want to know more about birds of prey. These nighttime hunters have amazing traits that help them do well in many settings. But when dark clouds form, and it starts to rain, it raises the question of whether owls can fly through stormy skies as easily and quickly as they do on clear nights with stars. So, let’s first answer the question – can owls fly in the rain?
No, owls cannot fly in the rain. Not very well, at least. It becomes difficult for them to use their wings when the weather is extremely wet. The water can accumulate in their feathers, making it tough for owls to fly properly. However, they can sometimes fly in light of mild rainfall, but owls will seek shelter during heavy storms.
Design of an Owls Wing
The wing structure of owls is a marvel of natural engineering, allowing them to achieve silent flight and navigate through various weather conditions, including rain. Let’s explore the fascinating design elements contributing to an owl’s ability to take flight even in wet environments.
1. Feather Adaptations
Owl feathers possess unique characteristics that enable them to repel water and maintain flight capabilities. The leading edges of their flight feathers are fringed with delicate comb-like structures called “filoplumes.” These filoplumes break up the airflow, reducing turbulence and allowing for virtually silent flight. Additionally, the soft velvety texture of owl feathers aids in sound absorption, preventing the rustling noise typically associated with bird wings.
2. Dense and Flexible Plumage
Owls have an abundance of feathers that provide both insulation and protection against moisture. Their plumage is exceptionally dense, with many barbs and barbules, creating a tightly interlocked structure. This density protects their wings from mild to moderate rain. After the rain, their feathers rearrange and realign for best flying performance.
3. Water-resistant Coating
The uropygial gland, also called the “preen gland,” makes oil that coats owls’ feathers. This oil makes the feathers immune to water, so they don’t soak too much water. Owls are very careful about how they take care of themselves. When they preen, they spread oil over their feathers, which helps keep their feathers waterproof.
4. Wing Shape and Size
Owls’ wings are big and round, so they have many surface areas to help them fly. This wing shape makes the bird fly slower and more agile, which is great for getting around in thick woods and catching food. Their wings are also rounded, which helps reduce wind and keeps them stable when they fly in wet weather.
5. Adaptive Flight Techniques
Owls can change their flight paths to deal with bad weather. When it’s raining, they may change how their wings beat, changing their speed and angle of attack to stay stable and in control. Owls can fly and hunt well even when it’s raining because they can change how they move.
What Do Owls Do in Storms?
When storms and bad weather come, owls do certain things and use certain methods to adapt and stay safe. Here are some of the usual stuff owls do when there is a storm:
- Seeking Shelter: Owls instinctively hide from storms. They seek shelter from rain, wind, and other elements. Owls find shelter from the rain in tree cavities, thick foliage, or branches closer to the trunk.
- Utilizing Natural Structures: Owls take shelter in natural structures during storms. They seek protection from rain and wind in cliffs, fissures, or overhangs. Owls can be found in these natural features until the storm passes.
- Camouflaging and Staying Still: Owls use camouflage to escape predators and bad weather during storms. They avoid discovery by staying stationary and blending in.
- Reduced Activity: Storms diminish owl activity. They preserve energy by waiting for better weather before hunting or flying. This lowered activity maintains body temperature and conserves energy until they can resume regular action.
- Nesting Behavior: Storms may drive owls to their nests. Nests protect against rain, wind, and other factors. Owls may stay warm and dry by huddling closer to their nests.
Where Do Owls Go During a Storm?
When storms come, owls use various methods to find safe places to hide and escape the bad weather. Their choice of protection relies on where they live and what they can find around them. Here are some popular places where owls go to hide when a storm is coming:
- Owls hide in tree holes during storms. Owls find secure, peaceful homes in these cavities in old or decaying trees. Owls can weather storms in tree trunks and natural cavities.
- Owls like living near tree trunks with plenty of leaves or twigs. Owls can avoid rain and wind in the tree’s thicker top—the dense foliage shields owls from rain.
- Owls can also take shelter among cliffs or outcrops during storms. These natural structures protect owls from rain and wind. Owls prefer to stay in these places during storms.
- Owls will relocate into storm-displaced bird nests. Hawks and crows usually create these nests. Owls sleep in them and get protection from the rain.
- Owls can hide in urban or suburban barns, sheds, or attics. These houses shelter owls from storms. Owls adapt to human-altered settings and utilize man-made structures as cover when there are no natural options.
Do Owls Like to Get Wet?
No, owls don’t like to get wet. Owls try to stay dry as much as possible because too much water can damage their feathers and make them less capable of flight. Also, wet feathers aren’t as good at keeping them warm and can make it harder for them to fly.
Also, owls need to keep their feathers dry to keep their protective qualities and ensure they can fly well and stay warm in various weather conditions.
Conclusion
As we come to the end of our study of owls and rain, we are amazed by the careful balance between nature’s quirks and the owl’s amazing ability to adapt. When you next wonder if owls can fly in a storm, think about how gracefully they dance in the rain.
Like most of us, owls like their fur to be dry. Let’s admire their persistence and ability to change as they fascinate us with their quiet movements and mysterious charm, no matter the weather.
