Feather Detective
​Inquiry Activity
​A learning activity by Zoe Sherer & Tom J. McConnell
Ball State University. 
Produced for Conservation Tales: Macaws (2022)

Have you ever found a feather on the ground and wondered what kind of bird it came from? If so, you're not alone! People who are interested in birds recognize that value of feathers as evidence of birds that can help us understand which species are found in an area. Scientists who study birds use lots of kinds of evidence, including feathers, visually identifying birds they see, the songs they hear, nests and more!

In this activity, you can practice identifying birds by learning to match feathers to different bird species. This activity can help you learn to observe details in feathers and on birds, notice patterns, and make inferences about the evidence.

**Note: If you find a feather, take a picture of it, or make drawings and notes about it. In many places, you are not allowed to take feathers from the birds that live in the area, especially birds of prey (hawks, owls, eagles, vultures) and birds whose feathers might be used for decorations or clothing! Leave the feathers where you find them after you take a photo or record your observations.
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Objectives:

• I can observe patterns of color and lines on the feathers of birds.
• I can make inferences about the species of bird that left a feather I find.
• I can use feathers as evidence about the bird species found around my home or community.

Feather Detective Sections

At My Feeder

Midwest Fields & Woods

Let's Travel!

Try your hand at identifying feathers from birds that may live in your neighborhood and come to your bird feeder.

This group of birds are species you might see in the woods, fields and wetlands of the American Midwest.

The colorful birds in this group are ones you might see if you travel around the Americas! 

For the Teacher
Grade Level: 3-5
Class Periods: 1-2

NGSS Standards
Performance Expectations

• 2-LS4-1

​Practices 

• Analyzing and Interpreting Data

​Disciplinary Core Ideas

• LS4.D

​Croscutting Concepts

• Patterns

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Learn more about conservation and research about birds at these books in the Conservation Tales series!
Conservation Tales: The Cerulean Warbler
 Conservation Tales: Macaws 

Or find more information about the Conservation Tales books and activities!