Why is it said that the barn owl can work out the direction and height of sound?

          The barn owl is a raptor that can be spotted on all continents except Antarctica. It is said to have extraordinary abilities that help in catching fast-running animals.

          The most predominant ability is the bird’s sense of hearing, which stands out for its sharpness. It is so superior that the bird can decipher the direction and height from which a sound comes! This is exactly what makes it a sharp hunter.

          Unlike others, the barn owl’s ability to hear is strengthened by its feathers. The heart-shaped facial disc made of stiff feathers helps the owl in picking up noise. It funnels any sound towards the ears, which open on either side of the bird’s head. The ruff of feathers is so important for this owl that without it, the bird cannot catch preys. And with it, even the slightest sound can be detected.

          Interestingly, a large portion of the barn owl’s brain is devoted to building sound maps of places!