Bird feathers: types of feathers, moulting & Co.

Where does the splendor of bird feathers come from? Why are there different types of feathers and why do some birds change their plumage with the season? We would like to answer these and other exciting questions for you here.

The plumage of birds is a unique feature in the animal kingdom. Feathers allow that Bird flight, they keep you warm and dry, and they also send visual signals to conspecifics and other animals. Many bird species are characterized by their magnificent, colorful plumage, which not only impress potential partners, but also inspire us humans. What this splendor is all about, why birds have different feathers and why some Birds are colored differently at different times of the year, you can find out here in our large Info article.

Feathers of birds: characteristics

Feathers - just like the hair on our head, the fur of a lion, the scales of a crocodile or the spines of a hedgehog - are made of keratin. They are characterized by an elongated, firm quill from which fine feather branches extend, which interlock and thus form the soft but dimensionally stable feather flag. The inclusion of pigments and a special surface structure create the magnificent and often shimmering color impression of the feathers.

Feather types

A basic distinction is made between two types of feathers: the Lower springs, also called down or down, and the Contour springs. Down has only a short quill and mostly unhooked feather branches, which means that there is no real flag, but a tangled, soft tuft of feathers. The down forms the undergarment of birds and protects against the cold. Contour springs, on the other hand, are further subdivided and have different functions depending on the type of spring:

• Cover feathers cover the bird's body and shield the fine down from moisture and dirt.
• Balance springs form the wings of the wings and enable them to fly.
• Control springs form the tail of the bird and also enable flying and control during flight.

Determine feathers

In order to be able to determine springs reliably, a reference work is usually essential. Only a few feathers are so characteristic that they can be assigned directly to a bird species using special patterns or colors. For example, you can find a blue patterned wing cover feather of one Jay, the determination is still easy. However, if you find a more inconspicuous belly feather of the same bird, it becomes more difficult.

at Featherbase For example, you can see pictures of the different types of feathers of pretty much every native bird species and use them to determine feathers you have found yourself.

Mauser

During the moult, old feathers are thrown off and replaced with new ones. This is important because springs wear out over time and can no longer fulfill their respective functions. Many birds moult once a year and do not change their plumage - it looks the same as before and is simply renewed. Only individual parts of the plumage can be renewed at once (Partial moult) or the entire plumage can be changed (Full moult). In the full moult, all feathers are changed regularly and the plumage remains in good overall condition. The disadvantage of full moults, however, is that due to the lack of many feathers at the same time, the ability to fly is severely restricted and the birds are very vulnerable during this time. This form of moulting occurs in ducks, for example.

Some birds moult twice a year, alternating between two different plumage: That Splendid dress or Brood plumage is created in spring and has the task of attracting a partner during the breeding season and intimidating possible rivals.

It is therefore often more eye-catching and colorful than that Plain dress, which is worn in winter and camouflages the birds better in their habitat.

Another form of moult is the juvenile moult. This usually takes place after the first winter and marks the entry of young birds into adulthood. Most young birds initially develop a youthful plumage that differs greatly from the plumage of their parents. Only after the juvenile moult are these young birds characterized by the specific plumage characteristics of their species.

Young birds can therefore be easily recognized by their different and often somewhat “unfinished” plumage. However, the little ones are not always as helpless as they seem. What to do when you get one Baby bird found has, you can find out in our special article.