Have you ever heard the saying, “Birds of a feather flock together”? But what if birds had fur? Would they gather together…with fur? No, that doesn’t sound right! Fortunately, birds have feathers.
Birds also seem to appreciate this fact. Feathers are a distinctive feature of birds. If it has feathers, it’s a bird. If it’s a bird, it has feathers. And feathers serve a purpose beyond aesthetics! Scientists and bird enthusiasts can attest to the importance of feathers.
Feathers enable birds to do one of their favorite activities: flying. Without their aerodynamically-designed feathers, birds would be stuck walking on the ground like the rest of us!
Even flightless birds rely on their feathers. For instance, penguins depend on their feathers to keep them warm and dry in cold environments. Birds are warm-blooded creatures, meaning their bodies maintain a consistent temperature to sustain their lives. Feathers act as insulators, aiding in this process. In a way, feathers are like clothing for birds.
Although birds are not known for keeping up with fashion trends, the colors of their feathers can impact their ability to find a mate. In many species, male and female birds have different colored feathers, which helps them distinguish between each other. More vibrant-colored birds may have an easier time attracting mates.
Some birds use their coloring to attract other birds, while other feathers help birds become invisible…at least to predators. Feathers can serve as camouflage. For example, the Willow Ptarmigan’s winter feathers are pure white, allowing it to blend in with its snowy surroundings.
How did birds acquire their feathers? Scientists speculate that feathers may have evolved from reptile scales. This theory is supported by the presence of scales on the lower legs and feet of some birds. As feathers developed, they took on various forms.
The largest feathers on a bird are called contour feathers. These include flight feathers and tail feathers, which give birds their shape and color.
Beneath the contour feathers are soft, fluffy down feathers. These feathers provide the majority of insulation birds need to stay warm. They are so effective that humans have utilized them for many years in down jackets and feather pillows.
Several other types of feathers can be found on birds, including semiplumes, filoplumes, and powder feathers. Semiplumes are a combination of down and contour feathers, providing insulation while maintaining a bird’s shape.
Filoplumes are the simplest feathers, located under the contour feathers. They are hair-like and typically rigid. They also possess receptors that help birds understand the condition of their contour feathers.
Powder feathers are present in certain birds such as pigeons and herons. They grow continuously and disintegrate into a fine powder at their tips. The exact function of this powder is not fully understood, but some scientists believe it aids in waterproofing.
Do you have a preferred kind of bird? Perhaps you enjoy observing flamingos or peacocks. Many birds around the world possess vibrant feathers. What about the birds in your area? Take some time to go bird watching the next time you’re outside! You might come across a species you’ve never seen before.
Give It a Try
Team up with a couple of friends or family members to delve deeper into the world of feathers by participating in one or more of the following activities:
- Have you ever wondered how many different types of feathers exist? You may be surprised. Go online and visit The Feather Atlas to explore pictures of flight feathers from hundreds of bird species. Which ones catch your eye? Which bird boasts the most colorful feathers? If you happen to find a feather in your backyard, you can also use The Feather Atlas to help identify which bird it belongs to!
- A bird’s feathers not only help attract mates with their beautiful colors, but they can also be appealing to the ears. In fact, certain bird species can make their feathers “sing” to attract mates. Watch the National Geographic video “Bird Feathers ‘Sing’” to learn more about how male club-winged manakins vibrate their wings to produce sounds similar to a violin, all in an effort to impress females!
- If you were a bird, what kind of feathers would you desire? Based on what you’ve learned about feathers, design the perfect set of feathers for your ideal bird persona. What color would they be? Would you prefer short and dense feathers to keep you warm, or long and sturdy feathers to help you soar high in the sky? Create an image of your dream feathers. You can use crayons, markers, or colored pencils to make a vibrant picture of your unique feathers. Alternatively, you can design new feathers using a computer and basic drawing software. Consider the type of bird you want to be and the environment you want to live in when developing your feather design. If you’d like, share your creation on social media and don’t forget to tag us @wonderopolis!
Sources of Wonder
- https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/feathers-article/ (accessed 17 July 2020)
- https://www.treehugger.com/amazing-facts-about-feathers-4863989 (accessed 17 July 2020)
- https://www.birdwatching-bliss.com/bird-feathers.html (accessed 17 July 2020)
FAQ
1. Why do birds wear feathers instead of fur?
Birds wear feathers instead of fur because feathers provide them with several advantages. Firstly, feathers are lightweight, which allows birds to fly easily. The structure of feathers also helps in flight by providing lift and reducing air resistance. Additionally, feathers are excellent insulators, keeping birds warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. Feathers also play a crucial role in attracting mates during the breeding season. They are used for courtship displays and to signal good health and genetic fitness. Feathers are also essential for protecting birds from the environment, such as rain and wind. Overall, feathers are specialized adaptations that enable birds to survive and thrive in their unique aerial lifestyle.
2. What are feathers made of?
Feathers are made of a protein called keratin. Keratin is the same protein that makes up human hair and nails. It is a tough and flexible material that provides strength and structure to the feathers. Feathers consist of a central shaft called the rachis, which has branches called barbs. These barbs have even smaller branches called barbules. The barbules have tiny hooks that interlock with each other, forming a smooth and cohesive surface. This interlocking mechanism is what gives feathers their characteristic shape and allows birds to preen and maintain their feathers. Feathers also have different types and shapes depending on their specific functions, such as flight feathers, contour feathers, and down feathers.
3. How do birds molt their feathers?
Birds molt their feathers to replace old or damaged feathers with new ones. Molting is a process where birds shed their old feathers and grow new ones. The molting process is controlled by hormones and is usually synchronized with the changing seasons or breeding cycles. During molting, birds lose their feathers gradually, ensuring they can still fly and maintain their body temperature. New feathers grow from specialized structures called follicles, located beneath the bird’s skin. The new feathers initially appear as pin-like structures called pin feathers. These pin feathers eventually unfurl and develop into fully grown feathers. The molting process can take several weeks to months, depending on the species and the number of feathers being replaced.
4. Can birds change the color of their feathers?
While most birds cannot change the color of their feathers, some species do have the ability to alter their feather colors to some extent. This color change is typically a result of wear and tear, aging, or exposure to sunlight. For example, some birds’ feathers may fade or bleach when exposed to prolonged sunlight. However, there are a few species, such as the American goldfinch, that undergo a complete molt and change the color of their feathers during the breeding season. Male American goldfinches, for instance, molt their dull winter plumage into bright yellow feathers for attracting mates. Overall, while color change in feathers is not common among birds, there are a few exceptions where it occurs as part of their natural life cycle or due to environmental factors.
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