Crest (bird)

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The crest is a prominent feature exhibited by several bird and dinosaur species on their heads. Fleshy crests are called cockscombs (q.v.); this article discusses feather crests.

Generally used for display purposes, crests can be fixed or erectile, depending on the species. For example, Cockatoos and cockatiels possess crests which may be raised or lowered at will. Their crests are used to communicate with fellow members of their species, or as a form of defence to frighten away other species that approach too closely.

The crest is made up of semiplume feathers: a long rachis with barbs on either side. These are plumulaceous feathers, meaning that they are soft and bendable. In birds, these semiplumes are common along the head, neck, and upper back, and may be used for buoyancy and sensing vibrations.