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Structural and Mechanical Differences between Original and Replaced Feathers in Blackcaps Sylvia Atricapilla

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Author

Summary, in English

Many bird species are able to replace accidentally lost feathers out of the normal moulting periods, but whether such replaced feathers are able to restore the original mechanical properties of the plumage has not been evaluated before. In this study we analysed the structure and mechanical behaviour of the original and replaced feathers of 12 blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla. Replaced feathers showed wider rachis and greater density of barbs, but were lighter, shorter and less stiff than original feathers. These results suggest that replaced feathers are not able to fully restore the original functionality of feathers.

Publishing year

2010

Language

English

Pages

431-436

Publication/Series

Ardeola

Volume

57

Issue

2

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

SEO/BirdLife

Topic

  • Biological Sciences

Status

Published

Research group

  • Animal Flight Lab

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 0570-7358