External

When you first see a bird, you are likely to see the feathers that cover its body first. While feathers come in many varieties, the wing, tail, and contour feathers are the ones you will see far more than others. Never forget that these feathers can change throughout the year due to both purposeful molting (replacement) and wear and tear. You may find these feathers when you walk around in nature and can easily decide if it is a symmetrical or an asymmetrical feather.

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Wing Feathers (remiges)

These asymmetrical feathers are used to create lift and thrust in flight and are often used in behavioral displays. We subdivide the wing feathers into the overwing coverts, secondaries, and primaries.

Tail Feathers (rectrices)

These asymmetrical feathers are used to steer in flight and are also used in behavioral displays. We subdivide the tail feathers into uppertail coverts, undertail coverts, and tail.

Contour Feathers

These symmetrical feathers are used for behavioral displays, waterproofing, and creating the body form. These feathers form the majority of the external layer of feathers.

Other Feathers

While interesting, these feathers often are not as readily available for identification. Semiplume and downy feathers help with insulation, filoplumes are used for sensory information and often bristle feathers are used for protection.

Under the Feathers – Body Anatomy

Underneath the feathers is an anatomy as complex as that of humans. For identification purposes, we will cover the regions of the body for birds generally. We provide a color-coded diagram.

We systematically numbered the various regions for an anatomical reference. Numbering priority was given first for the midline (axial skeleton) from head (anterior) to tail (posterior), and then back (dorsal) to belly (ventral). Then the wings from shoulder (proximal) to hand (distal), then the legs from hip (proximal) to foot (distal).

We then chose color schemes to allow for quick reference of grouped regions. These regions are below:

Evolution of feathers

Feathered dinosaurs.

Go through other books again.

Bird Behavior

Flight

Straight flights, hovering, dives

Reproductive

Mating/nestbuilding/courtship

Grooming

Bathing, preening

Group contact/Social formation/Flocking

Calls, flight watching, flight formations

Territorial

Aggression, submission, patrolling

Migration

Elevation, north to south,

Feeding/Foraging

Pecking, scraping floor