Anatomy of a Feather

feather parts.jpg

Parts of a feather:

  1. Vane
    • the whole collection of barbs
  2. Rachis
    • the barbs extend from this part of the central stem
  3. Barb
    • the stiff fibers that come up at perfect angle from the stem
  4. Afterfeather
    • small feathers with no hooks
  5. Hollow shaft, calamus
    • the part of the shaft that extends below the vane

types of feathers.jpg