Feather - Anatomy & Physiology

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Functions of the Feather

Principal functions:

• Flight
• Insulation
• Waterproofing

Additional functions

• Courtship displays
• Defence

Cryptic colouring (camouflage)

Colour mimicking

Dominance/subdominance conflicts

• Aggressive territorial behaviour

Anatomy and Physiology of the Feather

In most birds, the body is divided into areas that contain feather tracts, pterylae and areas that do not, apteriae. The location and the number of tracts varies between species. By originating from tracts rather than being randomly distributed, feathers can smoothly overlap and conform to the natural contours of the body. By laying feathers over apteriae, air can be trapped beneath, providing insulation.

The portions of the feather can be decribed as follows:

• Calamus: The short, hollow, tubular, unpigmented end of the mature feather inserted into the feather follicle and thus present below the skin level.