Feathers are completely made up of the protein keratin. They are built to be as light as possible in order to make the bird fly easily, yet are extremely strong and waterproof at the same time.

The quill in the center of the feather provides a backbone around which the feather is constructed. Extending from both sides of the quill is a linear cluster of barbs. This is where the majority of the feather's pigments are located. A network of fine barbs with interlocking hooklets lends both stiffness and flexibility to the feather. The barbs also fasten the single feathers to one another. There are about 300 million tiny barbs in one feather alone. Once the barbs come apart the feather looks ruffled.

 

Most colors in feathers are determined by their pigments. Other colors like some greens or violets are based on the reflection of light - the prism effect. The colors that are not absorbed are reflected back towards the observer, thus the feather appears to be colored. A jay bird does not actually have blue feathers at all.

The shimmering trick of iridescent coloring is an effect which occurs when light enters a feather and interacts with the cell membranes of some colored regions. The hummingbird´s colorful throat is a well known example of such coloring.

The bird´s fluffy pyjamas have been categorized into groups according to their position on the bird´s body.

Contour feathers are found on the wings and backs. Down feathers are usually placed underneath the contour feathers to provide insulation for the animal. Flight feathers cover the wings and the tail. Tail feathers are relatively large and function as rudders. Feathers growing on wings expand the surface during flight to increase the lifting force.

To the left you can see what birds would look like if stripped off their feathers. Even when fully clothed, the rulers of the sky do not have an extra ounce of weight anywhere on their body - very unlike us humans. Their weightless plumage is in accordance with this concept of lightness.

A great way to learn more about the numerous different kinds of feathers is to visit one of the feather quest sites the internet offers. You are presented with a feather and are kindly asked to identify the bird it belongs to or have to answer questions like the following: "Where on the body is the feather from? Which side of the feather is up? What kind of nest does this bird use?" Please go to the link section to find addresses of Feather Quest sites.

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