The bottom part of the rachis is called the calamus, which is hollow, supports no vanes, and anchors the feather in a follicle below the bird’s skin’s surface. The shaft that supports the vanes is called the rachis. These elements make feathers last for a long time as a functional part of a bird’s body.Ī typical feather’s primary structure is a long, central shaft and a broad flat vane on either side of the shaft. Structurally, feathers are composed of microscopic filaments compacted or embedded in a keratin matrix. Modification of Secondary Flight FeathersĪll feathers are composed of keratin, an inactive component resistant to external agents such as solar radiation, water, and protein-digesting enzymes.Bird feathers are essential in aiding with bird identification. In their standard or specialized forms, Feathers are used for various other roles such as sound production, nesting material, hearing, cleanliness, parasite repellent, water transport, tactile sensation, organ protection, and courtship display. They provide insulation essential for controlling body temperature, aerodynamic power necessary for flight, colors used for communications, and camouflage.
Feathers are fundamental to many aspects of a bird’s existence. Bird feathers are one of the most distinctive features of avian anatomy.
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