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There are rows of
barbules on each side of the barbs. The barbules are hook like in
shape. Barbules on one side of the barbs engage with barbules on the
adjacent barbs. When rows of barbules are locked together, it gives
the appearance of a zipper or a zip fastener. It is these locked
rows that give each feather its rigidity and strength.
Apart from endowing a
bird with the gift of flight, the feathers literally add color to
the bird’s appearance.
Generally, a feather
appears white when there is no pigment or color. This happens
because of the myriad small reflecting surfaces of the barbs, which
scatter and reflect back the white light that falls on them with
little absorption of any wavelengths. A random arrangement of the
reflecting surfaces produces the appearance of a matt finish,
whereas a regularly arranged reflecting surface creates the
impression of a pearly or silvery finish.
The Albino budgerigar is
an interesting example of a composite variety showing the effects of
two distinct color genes. Its cheek stands out with a silvery
appearance against the matt white of the rest of the body. This is
because of the relatively large reflecting surfaces of these
particular feathers.
In many birds, the
feathers, especially the tail feathers and the flight feathers, show
almost abstract patterns of color which vary just slightly from
those of neighboring feathers. The magic here is that, when the
wing is outstretched or the tail fanned, all these patterns diffuse
together in a bold and striking display.
The wing of a bird
consists of feathers attached to the arm and hand bones. The primary
feathers are the main flight control feathers. When a bird is in
flight and the wings rise, the feathers open to allow air to pass
through them. |
