How does the structure of the feather relate to its function?

• Structures determine its function.

• Let's look at the several types of bird feathers.

Wing feathers

*Specialized for flight

*Uniform windproof surfaces (vanes)

*From the central shaft - interlocking structures (barbules/hooks)

​*Asymmetirc w/a shorter, less flexible leading edge that prevents twisting in mid-air

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Contour

*Cover most of the bird - what we see

*Streamlining its shape

*Arranged in an overlapping pattern​

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*Function - waterproofing, sometimes colorful or drab (showoff or camoflauge)

Tail feather

• Arranged as a fan

• Interlocking structures

• Most birds have 6 pairs

• Support precision steering in flight

Semiplume (Plumule)

• Hidden underneath the contour feathers

• No barbules - fluffy insulating structure

• Pictured - semiplume of a turkey

Downy (chick down)

• short, loose structure

• no central shaft

• positioned next to the birds' body for WARMTH

Filoplume

• short, simple with few barbs

• sensitive (like whiskers) to sense the position of the contour feathers

Peacock - filoplume

Female senses the shaking of the males' head during breeding season.

Bristle

• simplest

• stiff central shaft

• found on head- protection for the eyes and face