According to the Cornell Lab Bird Academy, bristles are highly specialized contour feathers in which the rachis is stiffened and lacks barbs along its outermost parts. Scientists still aren't sure of the exact role of these bristles, but think they may play a sensory role that helps birds that are foraging in low light levels. You can see the bristles along the mouth opening of this nightjar.
Standard-winged Nightjar via Wikimedia Commons
More in local bird and nature news:
Sign up by April 14!Birdathon kicks off on April 19! Where will your Birdathon take you? Whether it's out behind your house or on an adventure across the region, there is always something new to see.
Let’s Go Birding! Join Robin Duska this Saturday at the Turquoise Trail in Reston. More info here.
Nature is teaching us - are you listening? Join Tom Wood and Judy Gallagher for a Fireside Chat April 16, create a photo haiku with us, and reflect on the lessons in nature all around us. Free. Sign up here.
Learn a new bird song today: Click here to listen to the “witchety-witchety-witchety” song of the Common Yellowthroat, recently observed at Huntley Meadows.
Learn more bird songs: Join us April 17 for Birding by Ear for Beginners, $10-20. Sign up here.
Take the Lights Out Pledge: Please turn off exterior lights between 11pm-6am during Spring Migration.
