Dr. Allison Shultz, professional plumologist, discusses feathers and their evolution, characteristics, and functions. Topics include peacock plumes, the blackest black birds, waterproof feathers, and flightless birds. This episode also explores the connection between feathers and mosquito-transmitted diseases.
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Quick takeaways
Feathers have multiple functions including thermoregulation, color signaling, and protection of the eyes.
Feathers are complex structures consisting of a main shaft, barbs, barbules, and can be categorized into different types.
Deep dives
Feathers: Evolution and Function
Feathers evolved before birds and were initially simple structures that resembled fur. Birds are the only living animals with feathers. Feathers are made of keratin and are structurally related to reptile scales. Flight feathers have asymmetrical structures that generate lift. Feathers serve various functions, including thermoregulation, color signaling for mating and territorial displays, and protection of the eyes. Feathers can come in a wide range of colors, including ultraviolet colors that are visible to birds but not humans. Feather color is determined by pigments and the structural arrangement of the feathers.
Feather Anatomy and Types
A feather consists of a main shaft called the rachis, which has feather barbs branching off from it. Each barb has smaller branches called barbules, which can be interconnected by hooklets. Feathers can be categorized into different types, such as contour feathers, downy feathers, and rictal bristles. Downy feathers provide insulation and are unhooked to trap air more efficiently. Rictal bristles, found near the beaks of certain birds, protect their eyes from debris. Flight feathers are highly specialized and have a symmetrical structure for aerodynamics and lift.
Feather Color and Functions
Feathers serve multiple functions, including thermoregulation, camouflage, and signaling. Feather coloration plays an important role in signaling quality and attracting mates. Colors are produced by different pigments, such as melanin and carotenoids, or through structural arrangements that reflect and scatter light. Some birds, like the palm tanager, can even see ultraviolet colors invisible to humans. Feather color can also provide protection, as recently discovered super black plumage absorbs more light and reduces reflective surfaces. Feathers allow birds to adapt to their environment and perform complex displays.
Feather Growth and Molting
Feathers are grown through the growth of pin feathers, which are filled with blood to aid in their development. Birds preen and remove the keratin sheath around the growing feather as it matures. Different species molt at different times, with transitional periods being common. Feathers shed during molting are often replaced with new ones. Flight feathers are the most constrained in terms of appearance due to their specialized structure, while other feathers can exhibit greater variation in size and shape.
Plumage! Dance battles! 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 peacock tails, the fanciest roosters, quill pens, pigments, flight feathers, the blackest black birds, and why birdwatching is like seeing tiny purple raccoons zoom overhead. Birds: like Pokemon Go but weirder.
Visit Dr. Allison Shultz’s website and follow her on Twitter