Flight feathers are similar to contour feathers, but they are found on the wings and tail and function primarily for flight.

Securely anchored in bone or skin, flight feathers extend beyond the body to provide lift when flying.

Click on the flight feathers to learn more.

Notice that the leading edge is narrower and more tightly packed than the trailing edge. This gives them an asymmetrical appearance.

Most feathers used for flight in today’s birds are asymmetrical.

Flight feathers overlap each other to allow the stronger leading edge of one feather to overlie the weaker but more flexible trailing edge of another.

Such an arrangement provides a sturdy, yet aerodynamic surface for flight.

Although feathers don’t fossilize as easily as bone, they do provide some interesting clues about the evolution of flight.

Now you've seen the three basic types of feathers found in today's birds. Let's look at an additional type found in the fossil record.

Click on the next feather in the feature bar to continue.