Light as a Feather
An avian anatomical superpower
Only birds have feathers. They repel water, provide insulation, and protect the skin. They can conceal or advertise a bird, and they help birds recognize members of their own species for courtship and breeding. And of course, having feathers is one of the adaptations that allow most birds to fly.
January 18, 2019
BY Donna Parham
Photos by: Tammy Spratt/SDZG; GlobalP/iStock/Getty Images Plus; Terryfic3D/iStock/Getty Images Plus; epantha/iStock/Getty Images; Boonchuay_Promjiam/iStock/Getty Images Plus.
