Reason for flight feather shape?

[MTG]

So I've noticed as my Quaker is moulting this year that his flight feathers all have (in varying degrees) a little protrusion or fin near the tip. I have done a preliminary Google search but can't find a clear answer as to what purpose these serve.



Does anybody here know? I'd love to know what they are for!

Sent from my Mi MIX 3 using Tapatalk

 

[SailBoat]

As you have arranged the five feathers, the leading (cutting) edge is to the top with the trailing edge at the bottom of each feather.

The barb or lifting (alinement) segment of the feather helps keep the wing feather positioned and reduces the torque load on the base of the feather, which allows the muscle and bone structure to be lighter. Another way of looking at it is the barb supports the outer section of the feather, thus sharing the load with the next feather. In addition, in the down (compression stoke they assure alinement, which traps a greater volume of air. In the lifting motion of the wing, the barb allows air to flow in, which increases the volume of air that can be compressed during the next down stroke.

It is very important to understand that Birds are by design, flyers! Near everything supports flight.

 

[MTG]

Amazing.

That makes so much sense, thank you.

They really are amazing creatures.

 

[cnyguy]

Those are called emarginate feathers, and several other kinds of birds have them, including some eagles.