Feathers: the evolution of a natural miracle

A natural miracle

Evolution. The Rosetta Stone ; Heat shields, gliders, and insect scoops ; The Yixian Formation ; How to catch a muttonbird

Fluff. Keeping warm ; Staying cool

Flight. Ground-up or tree-down? ; A feathered hammer ; The perfect airfoil

Fancy. The birds of paradise ; A feather in her cap ; Give us those nice bright colors

Function. Of murres and muddlers; The mighty Penna ; The featherless head

A debt of wonder

Appendix A. An illustrated guide to feathers

Appendix B. Feathers and conservation.