Woodpeckers have a more practical use for their tails. A woodpecker retracts and strikes forward in an attempt to gnaw into a tree. Because its tail acts as a kickstand, the bird’s ability to lean back is maintained. The absence of robust tail feathers could cause the woodpecker to topple over backward, which would be comical for humans but problematic for the bird.
Conversely, tails aren’t always used to signal hostility. Sometimes they’re important for romance. Everybody has seen how enormous a tom turkey’s tail can get when he’s seeking affection. During spring courtship, the male Wilson’s Snipe makes a winnowing sound with the outer edges of his tail.
Mike O’Connor and the employees of the Bird Watcher’s General Store in Orleans are the authors of this column. Original artwork is supplied by Cathy Clark. If you would like to ask the bird experts a question, send an email to bwgs. capecod@verizon. net or call 508-255-6974.
Will the tail grow back? Yes, and fairly quickly, too. The regeneration of a bird’s tail feathers may occur in as little as a few weeks, contingent upon its overall health. Fall is a good time of year for birds, which is fortunate for your dove. Regrowing a few feathers shouldn’t be an issue because they’ve had time to recover from the breeding season, the weather is still pleasant, and there is an abundance of natural food available.
There are several reasons why birds lose their tails. It was most likely the outcome of Stubby’s yearly molt. At least once a year, birds replace all of their feathers, though occasionally some take longer to regrow. Additionally, in their attempt to elude capture, birds may lose their tail feathers. In fact, tail feathers shed fairly easily, frequently leaving the potential predator with a mouthful of feathers.
Tails are actually integral to bird flight. However, if the lift is produced by the bird’s wings, what role do the tails play? The feathers on a bird’s tail are similar to the rudders on boats and ships. They give them stability during takeoff and landing, as well as assistance with steering and maneuvering while in the air. The bird can change direction mid-flight by twiddling its tail.
Many people, myself included, often wish they had a tail. Well, birds are among the fortunate animals that do have tails. Wouldn’t it be awesome to have an additional functional limb? However, because people are so enthralled with their wings, they are frequently disregarded. Birds actually need their tails to function properly, whereas humans cannot. It would be quite the chore to fly without their tail feathers.
The tail flares out downward to help the bird slow down by increasing drag and lowering its speed. When the bird is perched on a branch, its tail also aids in its balance. Additionally, the bird can spread out its tail feathers behind it to add lift and stability while it soars.
All things considered, it appears that tails serve a purpose other than decoration, even for peacocks (yes, they can fly, but only very short distances). It’s difficult to imagine what it would be like to fly without a tail, though it’s undoubtedly feasible for some bird species to do so. Even the most athletic birds would find it much more difficult to control their flight without a tail.
FAQ
Do birds need a tail to fly?
Can a bird fly with missing tail feathers?
Can a bird fly with a broken tail?
Is there a bird with no tail?