FEATHERS
MP – 09
SPRING 1996
OBJECTIVE:
To further understanding of feather structure, kinds of feathers and adaptations for different birds
SCIENCE THEMES:
Scale and structure, systems and interactions
PROCESS SKILLS:
Observing, comparing, relating, applying
GRADE LEVELS:
1–6
FOCUS WORDS:
Shaft, flight feather, body contour feather, down, vane, quill, barbule, preen
MATERIALS:
DO NOT GIVE FEATHERS TO CHILDREN TO KEEP! (we have a limited supply of feathers,
wings, and tails)
Bags of feathers sorted by type (down, contour, wing, tail)
Box of assorted feathers
Eye droppers
Magnifying glasses
Graphic of feather structure
Photos of birds in flight
zippers
ACTIVITY:
1. Have four basic types of feathers pre-sorted, down, body contour, wing and tail feathers give
each child a sample of each type, one sample at a time so they can take a close look at each
type.
2. Then, with all four spread out in front of them, ask children to describe what is unique (sets
it apart from the other three kinds) about each type.
Body Contour Feathers
These cover the bird and contribute to its streamlining and form the outline of the bird.
The closer a contour feather is to the body of the bird, the more down-like the lower edge of the
shaft is and without barbs for strength.
Flight Feathers –
The much elongated contour feathers of the wings provide effective flight surfaces for the wings.
The children should be able to figure out right from left wing feathers.. All flight feathers have a
narrow edge on the side that faces toward the bird’s head. This way the wider edge behind offers
a good surface for lift; the narrow edge reduces drag..
Tail Feathers –
These need to be stiff down the middle for balance, whereas wing feathers need to be stiff along
the forward edge for smooth flying.
Down feathers –
Why are they used in jackets?
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MP – 09
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Down feathers are close to the body, provide heat insulation and are important to the body's
temperature control system., they are soft and airy with no stiff shaft. Down feathers are the
bird's "underwear."
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MP – 09
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"Let's look closely at a feather."
Birds' feathers have a right side and a left side as well as a top and a bottom.
The top side is dark; the bottom side is light , this is a good example of camouflage.
If you were a predator flying above the wings of this bird, what would it appear to be? (Ground
because the predator is above looking down.) If you were below looking up? (Sky because you
would be looking beyond the bird into the sky.)
3. The tip of the shaft that fits into the bird’s skin has a tiny hole where nutrients went in
the feather matured.
4
before
Put water on a feather using an eyedropper.
Have a student do this.
The water runs off or forms beads without wetting. Why?
Birds preen (the cleaning and trimming of their feathers with their beaks.) When they do, they
are spreading oil from a gland near their tail onto their feathers to make them waterproof.
Preening also mends feathers that have pulled apart, There is a system or interlocking hooks and
barbules which fasten together the barbs. That's why we call a feather "nature's Velcro" or
“zipper.
Do feathers give more protection than fur?
Are birds the only animals with feathers?
Why do birds have feathers?
5. Now show a wing.
Let's look at a wing; where does it fit? On which side would this wing be?
Birds have a right side and a left side as well as a top and bottom side to their wings
The top side is dark; the bottom side is light. What is the advantage of such coloration?
Flight feathers overlap each other like shingles. The longest and strongest underlaps the next in
line. The outer vane is short for added strength as it takes the full pressure of the wind in flight.
As a bicyclist breaks the wind with his body, a bird's wings break the wind as it brings its wings
up for the forward motion of flight.
Each long flight feather is controlled just as our fingers are.
6. For those stations which have them, make a comparison between two different kinds of
wings.
7. Using the study skin of a bird, or some tail feathers, have the group observe a tail. Ask them
if they know how the tail is adapted to help the bird survive?
The shape of a bird's tail helps him to brace himself against the side of a tree in his search for
insects (food), balance on a branch or act as a rudder in flight.
8. What is a soaring bird?
One which glides on rising air currents without actively flapping its wings, like a vulture, an
eagle, or a hawk. Many birds, particularly larger ones, use this energy-saving method of flying.
Therefore, they need to fill their tummies less often
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MP – 09
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9
Let's look at the wing feather of a soaring bird. (Pass feather around.)
Show a feather from the wing of a soaring type of bird. (Not all kits have serrated edge owl
feather) and, if possible, compare to the wing feathers with those of an owl.
Rub both feathers gently against your cheek. Which one is softer? (The owl's feather)
Notice this owl feather with its fringed edge. Each owl has these feathers on each side of his
body. (Outermost primary wing feathers) This fine fringe allows air to pass through to make the
bird soundless.. All of the owl's outer edge wing feathers have a fringe that enables the owl to fly
silently.
10. Do birds replace their feathers?
Yes, they wear out. Birds on average molt twice a year and have winter and summer plumage.
11. Do this part if you feel the group has time. Take out the large assortment of feathers and spread
on table. Have children sort the feathers according to the four kinds (flight, body
contour, down
and tail) you noted above. Whatever way children sort the feathers is fine
just so they get
involved in handling the feathers and thinking about the different types.
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MP – 09
 Environmental Volunteers
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FEATHERS
MP – 09
 Environmental Volunteers
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