If you are thinking birds feathers, think big and think ostrich feathers

There’s nothing feather weight about ostrich feathers

Since man and bird first evolved man has been eyeing our feathery friends to provide fancy feathers for headdresses, fans, clothing and decoration. Unlike sheep that can be sho
of their wool and still live, albeit shivering with cold, a bird needs its feathers to survive and fly, although birds’ feathers do naturally drop out from time to time.

There is no doubt that if you are seeking magnificent black feathers for a fan, or a headdress or for a floral and feather display, the most magnificent plumage in terms of sheer length are the black feathers of the male ostrich. Surprisingly soft to the touch, the black plumage is simply amazing and although there are other birds with more exquisite plumage, ostrich feathers really do need to be seen to be believed. Female ostriches do not have black feathers but a mix of tawny and dark brown complemented with some amazing, pure white feathers which are also incredibly popular for using on as giant fans.

Apart from a cheetah, nothing on this earth can run faster than an ostrich. Top speed, the giant bird can run at sixty miles an hour which is great when being chased by lions. Ostriches have the largest eyes of any birds at two inches in diameter. Heads can reach a height of nine feet, and with amazing eyesight, it is incredibly hard for any predator to sneak up on an ostrich.

These days, ostriches are farmed which saves them from being hunted in the wild. Ostrich meat is quite edible, ostrich skin is turned into luxury leather goods such as handbags and wallets and ostrich feathers are sold online by ostrich feather manufacturing companies that specialise not just in ostrich plumes but also in plumes from other birds such as pheasant, goose, turkey and peacock. The peahen plumage is short and brown but peacock feathers with their iconic magic eye design are always popular plumes, and are especially effective when complementing floral displays.

The plumage of a number of breeds of birds are used by companies that sell feathers online such as the down from geese, which is very popular for stuffing pillows and duvets; pheasant feathers are considered to be very attractive especially when worn; and chinchilla, guinea fowl and duck down are also popular and easily available online.

It is still possible to buy a feather duster and there is no doubt that birds’ plumage is still a very good way of gathering dust from those hard to reach places. Some people like to make up their own feather dusters with exotic plumage from Birds of Paradise. Exotic species such as Birds of Paradise are protected under law but there are manufacturers that make artificial Birds of Paradise feathers that look incredibly real.

If you are reading this article because you googled feathers UK you have come to a place that can lead you to a destination that is full of birds feathers from a fine selection of bird breeds including ostrich feathers. It is only when you have actually held those magnificent plumes in your hand that you can appreciate the brilliance of nature and why for centuries those incredible plumes have been so sort after.