Microstructure of feather of red crowned crane (Grus japonensis)

Abstract

Through scanning electron microscope, various types of feathers in various parts of red-crown crane—a kind of rare and precious bird were observed micrographically. It was shown in the result that in different type of feather, the barbules show a great variation in their morphology and structure. This observation can be a basic reference for the taxonomy using the feather structure and the study of systematic relationship.