Feather Anatomy

Feathers are unique to birds. They are among the characteristics that distinguish the extant birds from other living groups.

External Anatomy

It doesnt have any barbs on it.

Feather anatomy. Birds come in different shapes and sizes but one thing they have in common is feathers. Over time the quality of each feather deteriorates and thus compromises its ability to serve the bird in flight or to provide insulation qualities. As feathers grow they mature into highly branched structures.

Are small contour feathers of the wing and the tail. Pronounced kal e mes the large hollow portion of the shaft that attaches the feather to the birds skin or bone. Types of feather contour feathers.

Parts of a feather. Are large stiff flight feathers of the tail. Parts of an adult male rooster.

These are the predominant feather covering the body. Notice that the two vanes. Bristle long stiff feathers around the birds mouth or eyes the function of bristle feathers is not known feathers suffer wear and tear as they are exposed to the elements.

For example the interlocking velcro like structure on many bird feathers creates the smooth flexible and resilient surface that supports flight and sheds water. Calamus or quill. The vanes are like the canvas sails on a mast.

That is everything that has feathers is a bird. The plumed part of the feather that grows from the central shaft. Figure 1 shows feathers of various sizes shapes colors and purposes on an adult male rooster.

Anatomy of a feather. They are considered the most complex integumentary structures found in vertebrates and a premier example of a complex evolutionary novelty. Are large stiff flight feathers of the wing.

Understanding feather anatomy at the microscopic level provides insight into how feathers function.

Wings Isolated Animal Feather Pinion Bird Freedom Flight