What is the function of bird's tail?

The bird's tail has the functions of balance, direction control, communication, courtship and predation.

1, balance effect

Birds' tails can balance their bodies when flying and standing. Birds fly fast, but their sense of balance is poor, so their tails can play a role in balance.

In addition, when birds stand, their tails can be used to keep balance. For example, goldfinches need to shake their wings quickly every time they stop to stand on the branches better.

Step 2 control the direction

Birds have long and wide hairs on their tails, which can rotate flexibly and help them change direction, accelerate or stop smoothly when flying.

3. Communication function

Birds can also communicate with their companions through their tails to show their status and majesty. For example, the striped harrier, which mainly lives in America, will shake its tail quickly when its territory is invaded, and combine with the alarm sound to warn and intimidate the invading species. By wagging its tail, it tells its companions that this is its territory.

4. Courtship function

Some birds express their love and courtship through their tails. For example, male peacocks show their love to female peacocks by spreading their gorgeous tails when courting.

5. Predation behavior

Many birds have dazzling white or beautiful red feathers on their tails. Birds can reflect light through the color of their tail feathers and disturb hidden insects. When insects are scared to fly, birds start chasing them.