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In zoology, a scale (Ancient Greek: λεπίς, romanized: lepís; Latin: squāma) is a small rigid plate that grows out of an animal's skin to provide protection. In lepidopterans ( butterflies and moths ), scales are plates on the surface of the insect wing , and provide coloration.
The scales of birds are composed of the same keratin as beaks, claws, and spurs. They are found mainly on the toes and metatarsus, but may be found further up on the ankle in some birds. Most bird scales do not overlap significantly, except in the cases of kingfishers and woodpeckers.
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Ornithology is a branch of zoology that concerns the study of birds. [1] Several aspects of ornithology differ from related disciplines, due partly to the high visibility and the aesthetic appeal of birds. [2]
In ornithology, the lore is the region between the eye and bill on the side of a bird's head. [1] This region is sometimes featherless, and the skin may be tinted, as in many species of the cormorant family. [2] This area, which is directly in front of the eye, features a "loral stripe" in many bird species including the red-capped plover.
Bird measurement or bird biometrics are approaches to quantify the size of birds in scientific studies. The variation in dimensions and weights across birds is one of the fundamental sources of diversity among birds, and even Within species, dimensions may vary across populations within species , between the sexes and depending on age and ...
The body or 'blade' of a typical scale consists of an upper and lower lamina. The surface of the lower lamina is smooth whereas the structure of the upper lamina is structured and intricate. Scales are attached to the substrate by a stalk or 'pedicel'. [1] The scales cling somewhat loosely to the wing and come off easily without harming the insect.
[42] [43] [44] Most bird scales do not overlap significantly, except in the cases of kingfishers and woodpeckers. The scales and scutes of birds were originally thought to be homologous to those of reptiles; [45] however, more recent research suggests that scales in birds re-evolved after the evolution of feathers. [46] [47] [48]