Book 23, Question 30 · Video
What Do a Bird's Tail Feathers Do in the Air?
A bird's tail is like a steering wheel with feathers. It acts like a rudder and an elevator at once. A peacock's long tail is for show and does not help it fly.
Read the full answer →Watch on YouTubeSee the series on Amazon
What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What do a bird's tail feathers do in the air?
The Big Idea
A bird's tail is like a steering wheel with feathers. It acts like a rudder and an elevator at once. Let's see how!
Fan It Out
Step one: fan it out. A bird's tail works like a rudder and an elevator at once. Fanning it out adds lift and acts as a brake.
Twist and Tilt
Step two: twist and tilt. Twisting the tail helps the bird turn. Tilting it steers the bird up or down.
Tail Shapes
Step three: tail shapes. Birds that dart through trees, like hawks, have long tails for sharp turns. Swallows have forked tails for fast, twisty flight.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! The tail fans out to brake. It twists to turn. A hawk has a long tail. A swallow has a forked tail.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! A peacock's long tail is for show and does not help it fly. Hawks have long tails for sharp turns. Swallows have forked tails for fast, twisty flight. Tails steer up, down, and sideways.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Cut a paper bird. Bend its tail up, down, and sideways while gliding it. Notice how it steers. Which bend makes it turn? Tell a grown-up what you discover!
Outro
A bird's tail feathers steer, brake, and add lift, like a rudder and an elevator in one. Science is amazing! What will you discover next? Every question is a new adventure, so keep wondering and keep exploring with me! Ask a grown-up to help you try the mission, and see what you can find out. Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!