Three Types of Bird Feathers

Feathers are what give birds flight in the air and come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are soft, others are firm, and some have in between texture. There has been scientific fact that some dinosaurs, such as raptors have also had the same type of feathers as birds today.

Bristle Feathers

These types of feathers are very rough around the edges and are around most birds mouths. They are especially useful for insect eating birds, since the bugs can get caught in the sharp almost barb wire feeling of the bristle feather. These stiff feathers are usually in a dull color of grey or brown, and can also be found around the eyes of birds.

Down Feathers

These types of feathers can be found from hens to herons. They are very soft which is why they are used for down bedding. They usually have no feather shaft due to their softness and are found under the wings or the under belly of the bird. Some down feathers can act as a repellant to water.

Flight Feathers

These are the most important feathers to a bird when it comes to taking flight. They are large and make up the wingspan of the bird, as well as the tail. They provide elevation and hover purposes and are strong enough to uphold in high winds. The bigger the bird, the bigger the flight feathers will be, such as hawks and macaws.

These three feather types are the most important to birds since they help with eating, warmth, and the ability to fly at great speeds. Even though some birds cannot fly, they usually have the same three feathers that they can use for jumping higher than other animals.