KidWings - Uses of Feathers

Uses of Feathers

There are so many different ways that birds use feathers that there is no way they can all be listed here. This page will let you know the most common uses and a few that are odd but interesting.

FLIGHT

This Turkey Vulture show his long primary feathers.

Obviously, birds use feathers to fly. The long flight feathers help propel the bird through the air, while the contour feathers make the rest of the bird streamline.

WARMTH

During the colder months, feathers help insulate birds to keep them warm. Also, during the hot months feathers can help keep the bird cool. Some birds that live in colder areas, such as Redpolls, have up to 30% more feathers during the winter than summer.

STEALTH

Owls have special serrated flight feathers on their wings that help them fly silently. The serrated edge breaks up the air as it moves over the wing reducing the amount of noise. Ducks and doves, on the other had, have a very smooth leading edge to their wing, and therefore produce a loud whistling noise when flying.

DISPLAYING

Snowy Egret displaying upper tail coverts. In the early 19th century, this bird was hunted for its feather which were used in women's hats.

Some birds can move their brightly colored feathers in a way that attracts a mate. Peacocks can fan their upper tail covert feathers producing a beautiful bluish green fan. Other birds, such as the Eastern Kingbird, have a stripe of colorful feathers hidden underneath the contour feathers on top of their head. The Eastern Kingbird displays these bright yellow feathers only when trying to find a mate.

SOUNDS

Wilson's Snipe

Some birds produce sounds using their feathers. The Ruffed Grouse flaps its wings while standing on a hollow log to produce a drumming sound (and the hollow log makes the sound louder as it echoes inside). Nighthawks and Snipe dive towards the ground and pull up at the last second to produce an unusual 'growl-like' sound. This sound is made as air travels quickly over the wing feathers.

DISTRACTIONS

Some birds, like the Dark-eyed Junco, have bright feathers on the outside of their tail which they flash when being chased. They then cover these feathers and quickly turn the other way while trying to lose their predator.

SNOWSHOES

Believe it or not, Ptarmigans (birds that live in the snow) have feathers on their feet that act like snowshoes. These feathers help the birds from falling through deep snow.

CAMOUFLAGE

The Snowy Owl blends in perfectly with a snowy field.

Some birds don't want to be seen, so their feathers help them blend in with their habitat. Owls, for example, can easily blend in with bark as they push their bodies up against a tree's trunk. The Snowy Owl, which lives where there are no trees, blends in perfectly with a wintry scene.

PROTECTION

Close-up of a Hornbill's "eyelashes"

Feathers help protect the bird's delicate skin. Without feathers, a bird would be cut badly if it flew into a thick bush. Some birds, such as Hornbills, even have bristle feathers that act like eyelashes which protect the bird's eyes.

WATER CARRIERS

The Sandgrouse, a bird that lives in the desert, dips its breast feathers into water and then flies to its chicks where they will suck the water off the parent's feathers.