By Gail Cochrane

Liberty Wildlife Volunteer

The miracle of birds lies in their ability to fly, and maybe we’re a little ho hum about that. But really, how amazing that birds soar – in pursuit of prey, across continents and oceans, and in stunning courtship displays. How do they do it?

With skeletons made up of hollow bones, birds are super light for their size. But mostly its because of feathers. Feathers are nothing short of astounding in their ability to send birds soaring and to protect them from the elements. Feathers provide camouflage, warmth, dryness, communication, and most incredibly, aerodynamic flight.

Although every feather is made up of the protein beta keratin, there are different types of feathers. Some have miniscule hooks that interlock, forming a barrier to wind and water. These feathers power flight and keep birds dry. Others, worn closer to the body, are downy. These very soft feathers trap air right next to the bird’s body, and keep them snug and warm.

Here are the seven types of feathers:

Wing feathers are long and stiff. Their interlocking structure provides lift in flight.

Tail feathers are used for steering. Most birds have six pairs of tail feathers arranged in a fan shape with the two central tail feathers attached to bone. These feathers also have an interlocking microstructure.

Contour feathers cover the bird’s body in an overlapping pattern like shingles on a roof. These are waterproof and interlocking at the ends, but downy close to the body.

Coverts are contour feathers that grow on wings, smoothing the area where the flight feathers are attached to bone, and contributing to aerodynamics.

Semiplumes grow underneath the other feathers and provide a fluffy layer of warmth and insulation close to the body of the bird.

Filoplumes are short sensory feathers that provide awareness of the position of contour feathers.

Bristle feathers are mostly found on the head, protecting the eyes and providing tactile sensation around the mouth.

It is the combination of these specialized feathers that gives birds the wondrous ability to leave solid ground and travel so gracefully near and far.