What is a Barbule?

What is a Barbule?

Definition of barbule : a minute barb especially : one of the processes that fringe the barbs of a feather — see feather illustration.

What do you call a bird’s feathers?

plumage. noun. a bird’s feathers.

What is bird face called?

The lores are the areas of a bird’s face on either side from the base of the bill to the front of the eyes. The lores do not extend further up or down than the width of the bill base.

What do you call the back of a bird?

Rump: A bird’s rump is the patch above the tail and low on the back. For many birds, the rump does not stand out, but some species show unique rump color patches that are useful for identification. Tail: The length, shape and colors of a bird’s tail are important for proper identification.

What is a Barbicel?

Definition of barbicel : any of the small hook-bearing processes on a barbule of a feather — see feather illustration.

What do flight feathers do?

The primary function of the flight feathers is to aid in the generation of both thrust and lift, thereby enabling flight. The flight feathers of some birds have evolved to perform additional functions, generally associated with territorial displays, courtship rituals or feeding methods.

What is plumage fluffing?

Fluffing up for a breeze During hot weather, the bird presses its feathers close to its body to eliminate the insulating air pockets so that body heat is allowed to escape.

What are the four types of bird feathers?

Feathers fall into one of seven broad categories based on their structure and location on the bird’s body.

• Wing feathers.
• Tail feathers.
• Contour feathers.
• Semiplume.
• Down.
• Filoplume.
• Bristle.

What are Rictal bristles?

What Are Rictal Bristles? Rictal bristles are simple feathers, more or less comprised of only the rachis—the central stem of the feather. These feathers are primarily found on the face of birds, mostly around the eyes and mouth opening (the rictus).

What is Mantle in birds?

Specifically speaking, the mantle is the area of bird’s upper parts between the base of its nape and its rump, usually located between the shoulders and along the spine of the bird.

What is it called when a bird opens its wings?

This behavior is commonly described as “sunbathing” or “wing-drying.” Cormorants and Anhingas frequently assume these postures, which are also seen in both Brown and White Pelicans, as well as in some storks, herons, vultures, and hawks.

What is the significance of Barbicels in birds?

These barbules have minute hooks called barbicels for cross-attachment. Down feathers are fluffy because they lack barbicels, so the barbules float free of each other, allowing the down to trap air and provide excellent thermal insulation.