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** The Weekly Bird Word
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10/13/25

This week’s Bird Words are:
Pennaceous vs. Plumulaceous

Birds have two different types of feathers: pennaceous and plumulaceous, which refer to the structure of the feather. According to Cornell Academy, pennaceous feathers are stiff and flat, like tail feathers and flight feathers, while plumulaceous feathers are loose and downy, making them efficient insulators. You can learn everything you need to know about feathers ([link removed]) from this article from Cornell Academy.

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Pennaceous feathers like the flight feathers on this hawk are stiff and flat, but may also have downy plumulaceous areas. Photo: Red-tailed Hawk, Bruce Fritz/Audubon Photography Awards


** More in local bird and nature news:
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* Today is Indigenous People’s Day: Did you know that feathers play a crucial role in many indigenous cultures? Jo Doumbia’s article on Native Americans and Birds ([link removed]) is a great introduction.
* Speaking of feathers: This Audubon article ([link removed]) about a Native-run raptor rescue ([link removed]) sheds light on the importance of feathers for ceremonial purposes and how the cultural need for feathers is helping to conserve and protect birds.
* Let’s go birding: Join NVBA for a guided birdwalk at Leesylvania State Park on Sunday, October 19 ([link removed]) .
* We’re starting a book club: Our first meeting in November will be on “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World” ([link removed]) by Indigenous scientist and author Robin Wall Kimmerer. More to come on the club, but you can get started on reading the book now!
* Are you part of the world’s largest citizen science project? This article on the remarkable rise of eBird ([link removed]) discusses how regular birders have transformed the study of birds on a global scale.
* Let go of the Liriope! Here are some helpful guidelines and suggestions for replacing this popular landscape plant ([link removed]) that has been added to invasive lists around Virginia.

See you out there,
Northern Virginia Bird Alliance
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