The barn owl’s brilliant white underbelly is the key to its success as a nocturnal hunter, allowing the bird to camouflage itself against the moon, according to new research.

With this facial feature, the Barn Owl has often been referred to as having a “monkey-face.” The eyes are very dark, and there are no ear tufts on the smooth, rounded head.

They are united in saving an important predator: the barn owl. The moon-faced, shoebox-sized owl is a ruthless pest controller that helps farmers by protecting crops from rodents and other nuisances.

The barn owl’s brilliant white underbelly is the key to its success as a nocturnal hunter, allowing the bird to camouflage itself against the moon, according to new research.