Exploring the Beauty and Functionality of Bird Feathers

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Delving into the intricate world of bird feathers, this chapter discusses their various types, functions, and evolutionary significance. From thermoregulation to flight and mating displays, the conversation unravels the essential roles feathers play in a bird's life. Unique features like silent owl feathers and specialized flight feathers are also explored, shedding light on the fascinating adaptations of these avian wonders.

Plumage! Sexy dances! Feather heists! Possible holographic disco birds? Natural History Museum of LA ornithology curator Dr. Allison Shultz is a professional plumologist aka feather expert. We visit the museum’s collection of rare specimens and chat about everything from fossilized dinosaur feathers to silent owl flight to furry bird legs to why pigeons are so loud, peacock tails, down parkas, quill pens, heavy metal flautists, feather thieves, pigments, flight feathers, Vantablack, if you can eat feathers and why birdwatching is like seeing tiny purple raccoons zoom overhead. Birds: like Pokemon Go but weirder.

Visit Dr. Allison Shultz’s website allisonshultz.com and follow twitter.com/ajshultz622

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Sound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray Morris

Theme song by Nick Thorburn

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