Birds choose mates with ornamental traits
A study shows that male birds choose their mates with ornamental traits, similar to how females choose males. Researchers created population genetic models to understand the evolution of these preferences.
Feathers
Articles tagged with Feathers
Jackdaws flap their wings to save energy
Researchers at Lund University discovered that jackdaws minimize energy consumption when flapping their wings by creating multiple small vortices. This unique phenomenon could lead to more efficient flight in birds and potentially influence aircraft design.
Penguin forensics
Scientists have discovered a new method to track penguin migration patterns using forensics, analyzing tail feathers for geochemical signatures. This approach can be applied to other marine animals and will help better understand and conserve charismatic species.
How do birds get their colors?
A study in Physiological and Biochemical Zoology reveals that 32% of bird species have complex plumage patterns produced by melanins, not carotenoids. Melanins control pigmentation on a cellular level, while carotenoids require dietary intake and specialized structures.
Isotope fingerprints in feathers reveal songbirds' secret breeding grounds
Scientists used isotope signatures to determine where Myrtle warblers breed during the summer, finding they migrate from Vancouver's Pacific Coast to these high latitude areas. This discovery highlights adaptations for longer migrations and potentially genetic influences on migration routes.
Molting feathers may help birds deal with environmental contaminants
Molting feathers help birds quickly eliminate mercury accumulation and reduce concentrations in tissues. This process may be key to mitigating environmental contaminant effects on bird populations.
Making chicken feathers
The study reveals that even spacing of cell clumps is set by the gentle tug of war among cells as an organism grows, triggering genes that produce follicles and feathers. This discovery could lead to creating artificial skin with hair follicles and sweat pores for grafts.
Bird feathers inspire researchers to produce vibrant new colors
A team of researchers mimics the vibrant color of Stellar's jay bird plumage and demonstrates a new way to control light interaction with materials. The development could lead to engineering new materials for solar cells, camouflage, and more.
Animal behaviorist looks through the eyes of peafowl
A team of researchers, led by Dr. Jessica Yorzinski, has conducted a study on peacock behavior to understand how males assess their rivals during the breeding season. The study found that males focus on the lower regions of rival displays, particularly the eyespot areas and body, when evaluating competition.
Researchers explain why feather shafts change shape when under stress
The study reveals that the square shape provides greater rigidity and higher resistance to ovalization and buckling than a hollow round shape of the same weight. This unique adaptation enables birds to fly with optimized stiffness and lightness, inspiring advanced engineering designs.
Amber specimen offers rare glimpse of feathered dinosaur tail
Researchers have discovered a dinosaur tail complete with its feathers trapped in a piece of amber. The tail, from a juvenile theropod, is surrounded by feathers that preserve 3D and microscopic detail.
Study explains evolution phenomenon that puzzled Darwin
A Northwestern University research team developed a mathematical model that predicts the evolution of two distinct subspecies in ornamented animals, one with flashy ornaments for attracting mates and one with subdued ornaments. The study found evidence from nature agrees with the model, showing many species split into these subgroups.
A new technique for structural color, inspired by birds
A new technique for structural color has been developed by Harvard researchers, inspired by the disordered nanonetwork of bird feathers. The system creates a gradient of colors using a metallic alloy and a thin transparent coating, enabling vibrant hues for applications such as lightweight coatings, biomimetic tissues, and camouflage.
Beta-keratin discovery in bird feather fossil may help identify paleo color
A team of international scientists has discovered beta-keratin in a 130 million-year-old bird feather fossil, providing evidence that melanosomes are present in these structures. This finding sheds new light on the molecular preservation of tissues in ancient fossils.
Keratin and melanosomes preserved in 130-million-year-old bird fossil
Researchers have found evidence of preserved keratin and melanosomes in a 130-million-year-old bird fossil, extending the timeframe for molecular preservation. The discovery supports the identity of ancient microstructures and sheds new light on feather evolution.
Study finds evidence of Deepwater Horizon oil in land-based birds
Researchers have discovered evidence of Deepwater Horizon oil in land-based birds, highlighting a link between the ocean spill and a terrestrial ecosystem. The study used carbon dating methods to analyze feathers and gut contents of sea sparrows from affected areas.
CU Boulder study: Mate choices of barn swallows tied to diverging appearances
A new CU Boulder study found that differences in mate-choice decisions among closely related populations can lead to the evolution of different physical traits. Barn swallow males with altered breast feathers and streamer length were more successful in reproduction, suggesting that females play a crucial role in speciation.
Hairs, feathers and scales have a lot in common!
Researchers demonstrate that hairs, feathers and scales share a common evolutionary origin, developing from placodes with similar molecular signatures. The study provides new insights into the evolution of skin appendages and their diversity.
Scientists identify mutation that causes muffs and beards to grow on chickens
A chromosomal rearrangement increases HOXB8 expression in facial skin, affecting feather development, leading to the growth of long facial feathers. The study provides a model for exploring the regulation of HOX genes in different parts of the body during development.
How birds turn red
Scientists have identified a cytochrome P450 enzyme that allows some bird species to convert yellow pigments into red colors, enhancing color vision and possibly signaling individual quality. The discovery fills a gap in understanding the genetics of red coloration in birds, with implications for future research on evolution and ecology.
How did cardinals get those bright red feathers?
Researchers found a gene called CYP2J19 that converts yellow carotenoids into red ones in the skin and feathers of red birds. The study suggests that for a bird to grow red feathers, it needs not just the redness gene but also a special form of the gene involved in feather growth.
New study shows animal welfare initiatives improves feather cover of cage-free laying hens
A new study published by the University of Bristol and industry partners has found that cage-free laying hens in the UK have experienced a reduction in feather loss and an improvement in overall welfare, with some farms reporting a 59% increase in changes to improve bird welfare.
Peacock tail feathers shake at resonance and hold eyespots still during courtship displays
Researchers found that male peacocks vibrate their feathers at resonance, which enhances the vibrational amplitude and suggests energetically efficient displays. The iridescent eyespots stay stationary during displays due to locked barbs, keeping them in place as loose barbs shimmer in the background.
Researchers document how broadbills make loud wing song
Broadbills make loud sounds with their wings to mark territory and attract females. Researchers found that it's not the outermost wing feathers but those just inside them that produce the klaxon-like sound.
Mystery of broadbills' wing song revealed
The team discovered that broadbills produce their distinctive territorial wing song when the 6th and 7th primary wing feathers flutter in the wind. This discovery adds to Darwin's roll-call of birds that produce 'instrumental music' with their feathers.
Pigeon foot feather genes identified
Researchers discovered two genes, Pitx1 and Tbx5, responsible for developing feathered feet in pigeons. The study suggests that these genes may have played a role in the evolution of feathers in dinosaurs and early birds. The findings provide insight into how skin regions can be controlled to produce scales or feathers.
What makes penguin feathers ice-proof
Researchers found that Humboldt penguins' unique feather structure is anti-adhesive and hydrophobic, preventing ice from accumulating. The discovery led to the creation of a nanofiber membrane with similar properties, which could be used in applications like electrical insulation.
Crows caught on camera fashioning special hook tools
Researchers captured footage of New Caledonian crows manufacturing and using hooked stick tools in the wild, demonstrating their sophisticated foraging behavior. The study found that crows value their tools and use them to probe for food in tree crevices and leaf litter.
Nature's unique way of controlling color explains why birds never go gray
Researchers discovered that birds use well-controlled changes to the nanostructure of their feathers to create multi-coloured plumage. This innovative approach could lead to synthetic materials with long-lasting colours.
Shape of bird wings depends on ancestors more than flight style
Research challenges scientific beliefs that wing shape is primarily determined by flight style, finding that ancestry plays a more significant role. The study analyzed wing geometry across major bird groups and found varying wing shapes within closely related species.
Preshistoric plumage patterns
A recent discovery of an Ornithomimus dinosaur with preserved tail feathers and soft tissue is shedding light on the convergent evolution between dinosaurs and birds. The findings suggest that these dinosaurs used feathered regions to regulate body temperature, similar to modern ostriches.
Pigments, organelles persist in fossil feathers
Researchers have found evidence that melanosomes, which produce melanin pigment, are preserved in the fossil record of Anchiornis huxleyi, a bird-like dinosaur. The study uses electron microscopy and chemical analysis to demonstrate that the microbodies are indeed melanosomes, not microbes.
Feathered cousin of 'Jurassic Park' star unearthed in China
A newly identified species of feathered dinosaur has been found to have complex, quill pen-like feathers and short wings, challenging previous assumptions about the diversity of winged dinosaurs. The discovery, published in Scientific Reports, provides new insights into the evolution and biology of these fascinating creatures.
Flying without wings: Losing feathers has a detrimental effect on migrating birds
Losing feathers at the wrong time can significantly impact a bird's ability to fly long distances due to increased drag and reduced wing area. The study suggests that migratory birds may need more energy and make additional stopovers if they depart prematurely before fully moulted.
Birds of a feather: Pigeon head crest findings extend to domesticated doves
A study found that a single gene mutation causes the distinctive head crest in pigeons and domesticated ringneck doves, with similar mutations occurring in both species.
The parrot talks: complex pueblo society older than previously thought
Researchers have pushed back the time period of sophisticated Pueblo culture by at least 150 years, suggesting a more complex society with relationships to Mesoamerican cultures. The discovery of scarlet macaw remains in ancient settlements has provided early evidence of social hierarchy and trade networks.
Researchers analyze the structure of bird feathers to create hues without dye
Researchers at the University of Akron recreate structural color patterns in bird feathers to generate color without pigments and dyes. This breakthrough has potential applications in sensors, photo-protectors, and color creation from environmentally friendly materials.
New nanomaterials inspired by bird feathers play with light to create color
Scientists at UC San Diego have created thin films of material that produce a wide range of pure colors, from red to green, by arranging synthetic melanin nanoparticles. The colors are determined by the physical structure rather than pigments.
Sexual selection isn't the last word on bird plumage, UWM study shows
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee researchers found that bird plumage color is influenced more by natural selection than sexual selection. The study analyzed nearly 1,000 species of birds and discovered that the sexes have become closer in color over time to blend into their surroundings and hide from predators.
OU-led team finds lasting severe weather impact in feathers of young birds
A University of Oklahoma research team found a link between severe weather and feather malformations in young birds. The study revealed that the stress caused by hailstones during a tornado led to abnormal nitrogen levels in the developing feathers, resulting in 'pallid bands'.
A mollusk of a different stripe
Researchers identified two optical structures in a mollusk's shell that reflect blue light, producing its bright stripes. The team believes this natural phenomenon could lead to the development of color-selective, controllable displays for windows and glasses.
A new species of hummingbird?
A new species of hummingbird has been discovered in the Bahamas, characterized by its distinctive lyre-tailed plumage and unique courtship displays. Genetic analysis reveals that the two subspecies diverged around 400,000 to 1 million years ago.
What makes the feather soar
Research reveals that the variety and adaptability of interlocking protein building blocks make up the feather's success. Birds have dozens of smaller variations within each type of brick, represented by the many differing copy numbers in their gene.
Taking a deeper look at 'ancient wing'
New research reconstructs Archaeopteryx feather color as matte black with darker tip, shedding light on fossil preservation. Advanced imaging technologies provide definitive proof of melanosomes in fossil record.
Seeing dinosaur feathers in a new light
Dinosaurs had highly developed color vision, including the ability to see ultraviolet light, which likely contributed to the evolution of feathers. This discovery sheds new light on the origin of feathers and their role in dinosaur communication and mating.
New feather findings get scientists in a flap
Researchers from the University of Southampton have discovered that feather shafts exhibit varying layer thickness and orientation according to flight style. This finding challenges previous assumptions about feather morphology and opens doors for innovative engineering applications.
Peacock's train is not such a drag
Researchers found no significant difference in take-off performance between peacocks with and without their iconic trains. Despite initial expectations, the elaborate plumage does not seem to be a costly sacrifice for male birds. However, it may still affect flight stability and running ability.
Galápagos hawks hand down lice like family heirlooms
Research reveals that the population structure of feather lice matches that of Galápagos hawks across the archipelago, indicating a co-evolutionary relationship. This study provides evidence for the hypothesis of co-divergence between parasites and hosts as a major driver of biodiversity.
New feathered predatory fossil sheds light on dinosaur flight
A new raptorial dinosaur fossil named Changyuraptor yangi has shed light on how larger-bodied dinosaurs took to the air, with exceptionally long feathers playing a crucial role in safe landings. The 125-million-year-old fossil, found in China, confirms that flight preceded the origin of birds and was not limited to small animals.
Archaeopteryx plumage: First show off, then take-off
Researchers analyzed the plumage of a newly discovered Archaeopteryx specimen, revealing previously unknown features of its feathers. The findings suggest that feathers evolved for functions other than flight, such as insulation and display, before being co-opted for aerial abilities.
Tiny plants ride on the coattails of migratory birds
A team of researchers found that migratory birds carry small plant fragments, including mosses and spores, on their feathers, which can be used to establish new plant populations. This discovery suggests that birds may play a role in the long-distance dispersal of plants.
'Touched' female cockroaches reproduce faster
Researchers at NC State University found that tactile stimulation, such as touch from other female cockroaches or even duck feathers, speeds up reproduction in females. Pairing two cockroaches together produces the fastest rate of reproduction.
Brighter inks, without pigment
Researchers have developed a system to produce structural color through microcapsules filled with disordered particles, allowing for the creation of paints and electronic displays that never fade. This technology has the potential to replace toxic synthetic dyes and create ageless colors.
Pigment or bacteria? Researchers re-examine the idea of 'color' in fossil feathers
New research from North Carolina State University suggests that it is not yet possible to tell if microscopic structures in fossilized feathers are melanosomes, which contain pigment, or ancient bacteria. Researchers used various microscopy techniques to examine the structures and compared them to melanosomes found in living birds.
Birds of a different color
Researchers at the University of Utah identified three key genes controlling feather color in domestic rock pigeons, which also influence human skin pigmentation. The study found that variations in these genes result in diverse feather colors, with specific combinations explaining a significant amount of color variation across pigeon b...
Falcon feathers pop-up during dive
Researchers studied peregrine falcons' diving flight using high-speed cameras and wind tunnel models. They found that feathers may pop-up to prevent local flow separation, enabling the birds to reach high speeds while maintaining maneuverability.
Traffic jams lend insight into emperor penguin huddle
A mathematical model recreated the positions and movements of individual emperor penguins in a huddle, showing that an individual penguin only needs to move 2 cm for its neighbor to react. The model revealed how travelling waves propagate through the entire huddle, keeping it dense and protecting the birds from the cold.
Hue of barn swallow breast feathers can influence their health, says study by CU-Boulder, Cornell
A study conducted at CU-Boulder and Cornell University found that artificially darkening the breast feathers of female barn swallows decreases levels of oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and fats. This suggests that the outward appearance of these birds has an influence on their physiological health.
Bright birds make good mothers
A three-year study found that female blue tits with brighter UV-reflectant crown feathers fledge more offspring than duller females, experiencing lower levels of stress hormones during arduous periods of chick rearing. This suggests that male choice of mate based on plumage color may be a wise strategy.
Rules of attraction: Catching a peahen's eye
Researchers used eye-tracking to investigate what attracts female peahens to male peacocks. The study found that peahens spend most of their time gazing at the lower portion of the train, rather than its showy upper feathers. This suggests that the lower train may be the primary attraction for females.