To aid in nighttime hunting, owls are gifted with silent flight. This results from tiny serrations along the leading edge of the flight feathers that reduce the sound of flowing air. Coupled with this, owls use a surprise attack. Having located their prey while on the wing or from a perch, they fly in quickly, feet first. Killing is rapid, and the victim is usually carried in the feet or beak to a perch or nest where it is devoured.
Large prey is torn apart with talons and beak.
Small morsels, such as mice, are swallowed whole. Sometimes dozens of these pellets can be found under a favorite perch or nest. By identification of the remains in the pellets, the owl's food habits can be studied. Today, conservationists recognize the values of owls and other birds of prey, and they are protected by strict laws and harsh penalties. It is also illegal to have an owl in captivity-alive or dead.