Bird Feathers Anatomy

By originating from tracts rather than being randomly distributed feathers can smoothly overlap and conform to the natural contours of the body. Understanding feather anatomy at the microscopic level provides insight into how feathers function.

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They are considered the most complex integumentary structures found in vertebrates and a premier example of a complex evolutionary novelty.

Bird feathers anatomy. Feathers are a unique adaptation of birds. Feather anatomy feathers are made out of keratin the same protein found in hair and nails. The barbs of the feather hook together to form an air tight seal to resist the wind and also to provide insulation.

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

Feathers are made up of keratin an insoluble protein that is also found in mammalian hair and reptilian scales. In most birds the body is divided into areas that contain feather tracts pterylae and areas that do not apteriae. The feathers of a bird are made up of keratin which is the same substance that hair hooves and beaks are made of.

Feathers have a central shaft. The smooth unpigmented base which extends under the skin into the feather follicle is called the calamus. The location and the number of tracts varies between species.

Every bird has feathers and everything that has feathers is a bird. Feathers are epidermal growths that form the distinctive outer covering or plumage on dinosaurs birds and possibly other archosauromorphs. The shaft or center spine of the feather is stiff and the tip is flexible for flight.

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.

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