Rump feathers The rump feathers above the base of a wood pigeon’s tail provide insulation. Tail coverts Dense rows of these feathers smooth the air flow over the tail. Tail feathers Like most birds, the wood pigeon has 12 tail feathers. Wood pigeon Some birds, such as guillemots and puffins, have hardly any tail, while others, such as peacocks and male birds of paradise, have long, trailing tails that make flight difficult. Tips worn and frayed by flight and rubbing against the ground When a bird comes in to land, it lowers and fans out its tail feathers. The feathers act as a brake, slowing the bird’s approach. 1. Tail fanned on approach; body held horizontally 2. Landing; feet forward to grasp perch 3. Tail closed as bird settles on perch AIR BRAKE Face-off Two male black grouse face each other in a battle to attract females. They spread their tails, call loudly, and leap in the air.