Owl Feathers and Flight (2015)

Many of the Owl’s feathers are specially designed – around the face there are the stiff facial disc feathers or ruff, crown feathers, ear-flap feathers and also bristles around the bill. The most unique adaptation of Owl feathers is the comb-like or fimbriate (fringe-like) leading edge of the primary wing feathers referred to as “flutings” or “fimbriae”. With an Owl’s wing, the comb-like feather edge breaks down the turbulence into little groups called micro-turbulences.

Source: www.owlpages.com