Bird's Body Covering
All birds have feathers and only birds have feathers even if the feathers are highly modified on as Penguins while most feathers share a common overall structure, there are several different kind of feathers adopted for specialized roles. Changes in feather structure provide the adaptations necessary for feathers to be used in many ways. Feathers also support the behavior of the bird within its environment and its lifestyle feathers that support the soaring flight of an eagle have a much different role than the feathers that protect an American Dipper which spends most of its time in fast flowing streams
Feather StructureAll birds have feathers and only birds have feathers even if the feathers are highly modified as on penguins.
While most feathers share a common overall structure, there are several different kinds of feathers adopted for specialized roles. Changes in feather structure provide the adaptations necessary for feathers to be used in many different ways.
Close up of feathers of a Eurasian Jay. (Photo by Dan Lebbin)
Feathers also support the behavior of the bird within its environment and its lifestyle. Feathers that support the soaring flight of an eagle have a much different role than the feathers that protect an American Dipper, which spends much of its time in fast-flowing streams.
This page primarily covers feather types and feather topography. It is intended for the serious student.
Feather topography:A typical wing feather consists of a central, stiff shaft with the softer vanes on each side. The leading edge of the feather during flight is called the outer vane. The opposite vane is wider than the outer vane and is referred to as the inner vane.
In greater detail, feathers are broken down into the following structural elements.
Central shaft:
The central shaft of a feather is divided into two regions.
The calamus is the part of the shaft closest to the bird's body. It is hollow and does not contain any vanes.
The distal end of the central shaft is referred to as the rachis. The rachis is solid and is defined as the area to which vanes are attached.
Vanes:
The vanes extend from each side of the feather. A series of parallel branches calledbarbs make up the vane.
Extending from the barbs are a series of short branchlets called barbules. Tiny hooklets tie the barbules, and ultimately the barbs, together. This somewhat complex arrangement creates the strong but light structure of the feather.
Taken from: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/studying/feathers/feathers
While most feathers share a common overall structure, there are several different kinds of feathers adopted for specialized roles. Changes in feather structure provide the adaptations necessary for feathers to be used in many different ways.
Close up of feathers of a Eurasian Jay. (Photo by Dan Lebbin)
Feathers also support the behavior of the bird within its environment and its lifestyle. Feathers that support the soaring flight of an eagle have a much different role than the feathers that protect an American Dipper, which spends much of its time in fast-flowing streams.
This page primarily covers feather types and feather topography. It is intended for the serious student.
Feather topography:A typical wing feather consists of a central, stiff shaft with the softer vanes on each side. The leading edge of the feather during flight is called the outer vane. The opposite vane is wider than the outer vane and is referred to as the inner vane.
In greater detail, feathers are broken down into the following structural elements.
Central shaft:
The central shaft of a feather is divided into two regions.
The calamus is the part of the shaft closest to the bird's body. It is hollow and does not contain any vanes.
The distal end of the central shaft is referred to as the rachis. The rachis is solid and is defined as the area to which vanes are attached.
Vanes:
The vanes extend from each side of the feather. A series of parallel branches calledbarbs make up the vane.
Extending from the barbs are a series of short branchlets called barbules. Tiny hooklets tie the barbules, and ultimately the barbs, together. This somewhat complex arrangement creates the strong but light structure of the feather.
Taken from: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/studying/feathers/feathers