This is Bird Note.

If you take a look at Bird's wings, you might notice a pattern.

Many species have black feathers on the trailing edge of their wings,

regardless of what color most of their feathers are.

Birds is different as gulls, pelicans, storks, and flamingos

all have black-tipped wings.

These flight feathers are rich in a pigment called melanin,

but melanin doesn't just provide color.

It also helps make feathers stronger.

Feathers with melanin have a tougher layer of keratin.

The same substance found in human fingernails compared to feathers without.

So the black feathers actually help protect a wing from wear and tear.

That's especially useful on the edge of a bird's wing,

where air is rushing past during flight.

Melanin helps the wings stay aerodynamic and efficient for birds,

so they can gather food, escape from predators,

and complete their long migratory journeys.

While it takes energy to produce melanin,

it saves birds the trouble of replacing feather after feather

when traveling thousands of miles.

Learn more about the pigments that bring color to bird feathers.

On our website, birdnote.org.

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