Bird Feathers Anatomy

The feathers of a bird are made up of keratin which is the same substance that hair hooves and beaks are made of. Understanding feather anatomy at the microscopic level provides insight into how feathers function.

Feathers

The smooth unpigmented base which extends under the skin into the feather follicle is called the calamus.

Bird feathers anatomy. In most birds the body is divided into areas that contain feather tracts pterylae and areas that do not apteriae. Feathers are epidermal growths that form the distinctive outer covering or plumage on dinosaurs birds and possibly other archosauromorphs. They are considered the most complex integumentary structures found in vertebrates and a premier example of a complex evolutionary novelty.

Feathers have a central shaft. For example the interlocking velcro like structure on many bird feathers creates the smooth flexible and resilient surface that supports flight and sheds water. Feathers are one of the most prominent features of a birds anatomy and they are unique to birds.

The shaft or center spine of the feather is stiff and the tip is flexible for flight. Every bird has feathers and everything that has feathers is a bird. The location and the number of tracts varies between species.

Feather anatomy feathers are made out of keratin the same protein found in hair and nails. Feathers are a unique adaptation of birds. By originating from tracts rather than being randomly distributed feathers can smoothly overlap and conform to the natural contours of the body.

Feathers perform a number of functions for a bird. As feathers grow they mature into highly branched structures. Feathers are the most unique aspect of a birds anatomy.

Feathers are made up of keratin an insoluble protein that is also found in mammalian hair and reptilian scales. The barbs of the feather hook together to form an air tight seal to resist the wind and also to provide insulation.

A Little Bird Anatomy Feather Groups Of The Head Myr S Bytes