Can Featherless Birds Fly?

This creates a featherless gap on their wing surface, but because of their light weight, they are still able to fly. Heavier birds wouldn't be able to remain airborne if they had these large, featherless gaps on their wings.

Can a bird without feathers fly?

While vertebrates like bats fly without feathers, birds rely on feathers and wings, along with other modifications of body structure and physiology, for flight.

Do feathers make birds fly?

Feathers allow birds to fly, but they also help them show off, blend in, stay warm, and keep dry. Some feathers evolved as specialized airfoilairfoilwinglike structure that produces lift and drag as it moves through the air for efficient flight.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.