VariraptorMuseum d'histoire naturelle et préhistoire de Nîmes
Initially, their presence provided thermal insulation for both juveniles and small species. Colors and shapes then diversified and became a medium for parades and visual signals. Finally, the development of quill feathers known as remiges enabled the first birds to fly.
Protofeathers, like filaments, are found in the ancestor of pterosaurs and dinosaurs. Mutations in theropod dinosaurs (two-legged carnivores) led to the evolution of feathers.
This Variraptor, a small two-legged feathered dinosaur, lived in the Var department, France. It had feathers but it could not fly.
Effraie des clochersMuseum d'histoire naturelle et préhistoire de Nîmes
Birds fly. Well, most of them. Their inner anatomy and skeleton are suited to this mode of travel, as are their feathers. Those on their wings and tail are relatively long, rigid, branched and asymmetrical, which helps the birds to be airborne.
On this owl, the barbs (the first branches of the feathers) of the wing's feathers are not connected to each other, and form a comb-like structure. Its flight is silent to better catch its prey.
Paradisier petit-émeraudeMuseum d'histoire naturelle et préhistoire de Nîmes
In the bird-of-paradise group, the diversity of sizes, shapes, and colors of feathers is impressive, particularly among the males.
The feathers can have flaming or metallic colors, a fluffy aspect, or can have a very sharp aspect or on the contrary be reduced to the main shaft called the rachis. The location of these peculiar ornamental feathers varies from one species to another. They are exhibited during the parades and emphasized according to a precise gesture learned by the birds. These bird's highly conspicuous aspect makes them more vulnerable to predation.
Casoar à casqueMuseum d'histoire naturelle et préhistoire de Nîmes
The ratites don't fly anymore. Just like this southern cassowary.
It has no wings and the structure of its feathers is simplified to such an extent that they look like hairs. The rachis (the central shaft of the feather) is visible, which gives its plumage a shiny black color.
Manchot royalMuseum d'histoire naturelle et préhistoire de Nîmes
The penguin is also a flightless bird, but it is an excellent swimmer.
Its very thick and dense plumage covers its entire body in a uniform fashion. The rachis is flattened and split, which increases the thickness. The layering of these feathers provide excellent insulation from the cold, wind, and water.
Condor des AndesMuseum d'histoire naturelle et préhistoire de Nîmes
Most vultures are bald-headed. It's a great help for this condor when it comes to eating dead animals.
The loss of head and neck feathers reduces the chance of trapping decaying parts of the body, which might cause diseases.
Coiffe zoulouMuseum d'histoire naturelle et préhistoire de Nîmes
Ornamental feathers are not limited to birds. All over the world, humans have also used them to adorn themselves during ceremonies to mark their social status or to celebrate particular events in their lives …
The museum keeps about 5,000 taxidermied birds. They are very diverse in size, shape and color—some swim, some run, some wear flaming colors, others camouflage into the landscape.
Realization: Ville de Nîmes - Muséum d'histoire naturelle et de préhistoire
Iconography: © Ville de Nîmes - Muséum d'histoire naturelle et de préhistoire
