The Bird: Why do birds have feathers?

picture - flying sparrow bird 

According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, feathers are formed of a lightweight substance called keratin, which is also found in our hair and fingernails. This substance permits feathers to be lightweight while simultaneously remaining flexible and stiff enough to resist the stresses of flight.Also, Birds shed their feathers through a process known as moulting, just as we shed our hair and are replaced by new strands. The National Audubon Society (Opens in a new window) notes that damaged feathers come off during moulting and are replaced by new feathers. Moulting varies by species. Some smaller birds moult once or twice a year, but larger birds with thicker feathers moult less regularly(Forest District will county, 2019a).

*  What are the benefits of a feathers?

Feathers are important to birds for a variety of reasons. Birds primarily use their feathers to help them fly. Some feathers, such as down and semiplume feathers, not only help birds fly but also keep them warm. Birds use their feathers to trap pockets of air close to their bodies, allowing them to stay warm.

 They can even rearrange or modify their feathers to trap more or less air according on the temperature, according to Arizona State University. When it's cold outside, you may notice a bird fluffing its feathers. It does this to help trap more air, keeping them warm. (Forest District will county, 2019b).

  Fewer and lighter bones (partially hollow in certain bigger species) reduce the overall weight of the bird, allowing it to fly easier(BBC Wildlife Magazine, 2024) .In addition to flight and temperature regulation, feathers are water resistant, which helps birds stay dry in the rain or on the water. Feathers, particularly dark-coloured ones, can help protect against the sun. (Forest District will county, 2019c).

Feathers play an important role in a bird's identity. Their colouration helps distinguish between a cardinal and a blue jay, or a goldfinch and a purple finch. The colours of a bird's feathers are very important in attracting mates(Forest District will county, 2019d).

Reference list

BBC Wildlife Magazine (2024) How do birds fly?, www.discoverwildlife.com. Available at: https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/birds/how-do-birds-fly.

Forest District will county (2019) Nature curiosity: Why do birds have feathers and not fur or scales?, Accelerator. Available at: https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/the-buzz/nature-curiosity-why-birds-have-feathers/.