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How often have you admired the exquisite beauty of a bird. Be it a hummingbird, a peacock, a cockatiel or even a lowly sparrow the bird is a delight to behold. And what is it that gives the bird is beauty – yes, it is it’s clothing – it’s feathers. Feathers come in all sizes and colors and provide the bird community with an amazing array of visual variety. Yet, there is far more to the feather than it’s look –it is, in fact, a marvel of creation. Let’s find out why.
The hollow end portion of the feather – that inserts into the bird’s skin follicles – is the quill. The quill is extremely lightweight yet it is as strong as bone. Farther along the quill becomes the shaft. It is from the shaft that parallel barbs branch out from either side. At right angles to each barb are tiny projections called barbules, on which minute hooks act like zippers between adjoining barbs. This allows the feathers to combine as a strong unit, yet to be supple enough to bend freely in the wind. The joined feathers also provide excellent insulation as well as protection from the rain.
Feathers come in different varieties – some are functional whereas others appear to be simply for show. Among the functional kind are what are known as down feathers. These fluffy, soft, formless feathers provide insulation for the bird – keeping it warm in winter and cool in summer. Some birds, like the elder duck, use excess down feathers to insulate the nest of its babies.
Contour feathers are designed to streamline the bird for flight. Their centrally located shaft is slightly curved to fit body surfaces – always pointing backward from the beak and towards the tail. Flight feathers provide lift and movement for the bird through the air. These feathers, arranged in particular order at the extremity of each wing, are the propellers that provide lift and movement for the bird. They are able to turn on their axis, enabling them to overlap tightly on the downbeat yet to open on the upbeat. Other flight feathers in the bird’s tail are controlled by strong tail muscles. Thus the feathers can be tilted, depressed, fanned out or folded to act as the perfect rudder.
Apart from these feather types, many birds have feathers that are particular to their needs. For instance, the woodpecker has stiffened tail feathers that support him as he walks up at tree. Geese use their powerful wing feathers as weapons. The male African sandgrouse can actually carry absorbed water in its breast feathers. This is taken to the nest to nourish its young.
The feather – lightweight and humble as it may appear –is truly a masterpiece of design. It is a wonder of functionality, utility and beauty that we mere humans can only marvel at.
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