A bird’s feathers are extremely light for their size and strength. They provide not only for flight but also for warmth and to give each species its distinctive coloring. Most birds do not have feathers when they are hatched; many are bald, but some, like baby chicks, have soft, fluffy fuzz called down. They grow feathers later.
There are seven types of bird feathers. Wing and tail feathers are made up of a strong main shaft which is hollow, called a rachis, which tapers to a point. Each rachis has many little branches, called barbs. Each of the barbs in turn has smaller branches, called barbules. The barbules have further tiny branches called barbicels that have tiny hooks which connect them. A strong microscope is necessary to see these tiny parts. One six-inch flight feather may have 660,000 barbules, ending in many barbicels. Isn’t that amazing? Did you ever think a bird’s feather could be so complicated? Do you wonder why all these hooks are there?
When birds lift their wings to fly, the barbules are hooked together, making a firm fan. It actually looks like a zipper. It is this firm surface on its feathers that enables the bird to fly. When a bird preens, it is “re-zipping” any feathers which may become disconnected, among other things.
Most birds have 12 tail feathers, but some male birds that use their tail feathers mostly for attracting a mate may have only two, while a peacock has about 200 tail feathers.
There are other types of feathers that provide different benefits to birds. Down feathers have no barbules. Their loose structure traps air to keep the bird warm. Contour feathers, including flight and tail feathers, define the shape of the bird’s body and are often waterproof. These feathers also have a downy area close to the body. A bristle feather has a rachis with only a few barbs near the outer end. They are usually on a bird’s head and protect its face and eyes.
God has also provided each bird with a pigment (color) system so the species of all remain fairly uniform in color and design.
As you think of these amazing details of God’s creation, you can be sure that you are even more amazingly created. And you are infinitely more precious to God than birds. He tells us that even though He doesn’t forget even one sparrow, of us He says, “Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:77But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:7)).
Did You Know?
A peacock has about 200 tail feathers.
Messages of God’s Love 12/3/2023