Owls capture human imagination with their silent flight and piercing gaze. Some species possess prominent feather structures on their heads, often mistaken for ears. These intriguing features, known as ear tufts or plumicorns, are not involved in hearing, yet they play a role in the owl’s life. Understanding these structures reveals more about the diverse adaptations within the owl family.
What Ear Tufts Are (and Aren’t)
Ear tufts are not actual ears or part of an owl’s auditory system, despite their common name. They are specialized feather structures located on the top of an owl’s head. The term “plumicorns” accurately describes them, combining Latin for “feather” and “horn.” An owl’s true ears are small holes on the sides of its head, typically behind the eyes and concealed by feathers. These hidden openings, sometimes asymmetrical, are highly adapted for precise sound localization, allowing owls to pinpoint prey in darkness.
The Many Functions of Ear Tufts
Owl ear tufts serve several adaptive purposes, primarily related to camouflage and communication. A primary function is concealment. When an owl roosts during the day, in dense woodlands, these tufts help break up the bird’s rounded silhouette, making it blend seamlessly with its surroundings. By raising these feathers, an owl can mimic broken branches or tree bark, effectively disappearing into foliage, avoiding detection by predators or mobbing birds. This camouflage strategy is useful for nocturnal owls that rest in trees.
Beyond camouflage, ear tufts are tools for non-vocal communication. Owls can manipulate these feather tufts, raising or lowering them to convey intentions or emotions. For instance, tufts pulled back might signal an angry or defensive posture, while those held straight up often indicate alertness or excitement. This allows owls to silently signal to mates, offspring, or rivals, conveying safety, potential threats, or general mood without attracting unwanted attention through sound.
When threatened or asserting dominance, an owl can erect its tufts, appearing larger and more formidable. This display deters potential predators or rivals, establishing boundaries and reducing direct conflict. Prominent ear tufts may also signal an owl’s health and vigor, potentially attracting mates during breeding seasons.
Not All Owls Have Them
Ear tufts are not a universal characteristic across all owl species; their presence or absence links to specific habitats and behaviors. Approximately 50 of 225 known owl species possess these distinct feather structures. Species like the Great Horned Owl, Long-eared Owl, and various screech owls are known for their prominent ear tufts. The Long-eared Owl, for example, is named for its noticeable tufts.
Conversely, many owl species have smooth, rounded heads without visible ear tufts. Examples include the Barn Owl, Barred Owl, Great Gray Owl, and Snowy Owl. The absence of tufts in these species suggests their ecological niches and behavioral needs do not necessitate such features. This diversity highlights the varied evolutionary paths owls have taken to thrive in diverse environments.