Category: Feathers

  • A Mad Scientist’s Dream – Rumpless Chickens (and more)

    A Mad Scientist’s Dream – Rumpless Chickens (and more)

    Today, we delve into the bizarre phenomenon of rumpless chickens—a feathered marvel characterized by caudal dysplasia, or as some like to call it, the ultimate chicken makeover! These quirky birds are missing their pygostyle, that charming little appendage known as the “parson’s nose,” a mutation that defies nature itself. This peculiar trait is inherited through…

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  • Columbidae anatomy and physiology notes

    Columbidae anatomy and physiology notes

    Overall, the anatomy of Columbidae is characterized by short legs, short bills with a fleshy cere, and small heads on large, compact bodies. Like some other birds, the Columbidae have no gall bladders. Some medieval naturalists concluded they have no bile (gall), which in the medieval theory of the four humours explained the allegedly sweet disposition of doves. In fact, however, they do have bile (as Aristotle had…

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  • Daedalus (Greek mythology)

    Daedalus (Greek mythology)

    In Greek mythology, Daedalus (Greek: Δαίδαλος; Latin: Daedalus; Etruscan: Taitale) was a skillful architect and craftsman, seen as a symbol of wisdom, knowledge and power. He is the father of Icarus, the uncle of Perdix, and possibly also the father of Iapyx. Among his most famous creations are the wooden cow for PasiphaĂ«, the Labyrinth for King Minos of Crete which imprisoned the Minotaur, and wings that he and his son Icarus used…

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  • Gorget (bird)

    Gorget (bird)

    A gorget is a patch of colored feathers found on the throat or upper breast of some species of birds. It is a feature found on many male hummingbirds, particularly those found in North America; these gorgets are typically iridescent. Other species, such as the purple-throated fruitcrow and chukar partridge, also show the feature. The term is derived from the gorget used in military armor to protect the throat. Feather…

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