Adaptions – Feet

The feet of the barn owl are similar to those of most birds of prey and are essential for successful hunting as they are used as weapons to kill their prey and as a means of carrying it when flying to it’s feeding spot or nesting site.

The legs are long and powerful with widely spreading feet equipped with long, deadly sharp talons. The prey is often killed by the initial impact and insertion of the talons though sometimes assistance is required from the sharp hooked beak to swiftly finish the the job. The outer toe on each foot is reversible to help with the capture of its prey and to enable the owl to keep a good hold of it when flying. The undersides of their feet are rough which also helps with gripping prey.