A tail for display The male black grouse has crescent-shaped tail feathers, while the female’s tail feathers are straight. Differences like this are evidence that the shape of the tail has evolved for display rather than for fight. Crossbill tail Tail shapes Birds that spend much of their time airborne usually have light, streamlined tails. Other birds, especially those that live on the ground or in woodland, have tails that are used for balance, perching, or attracting a mate. A tail for balance The central feathers in a magpie’s tail are nearly 25 cm (10 in) long. Long tails are usually used for display, but it is more likely that in magpies they are used for balance on the ground or when clambering in trees. Forked tails Many finches have a fork-shaped tail that helps them manoeuvre. Juvenile birds tend to have more sharply pointed tail tips than adult birds. Rump feathers Elongated tail feathers Fork-shaped tail Magpie tail Crossbill Rump feathers Some woodpeckers can hit a tree trunk 20 times per second . Tails for support A woodpecker uses its stiff tail for support as it climbs a tree trunk. Its tail feathers are unusually stiff so they can support a large amount of the bird’s weight. Great spotted woodpecker tail Great spotted woodpecker Sharp points caused by rubbing against trees Male black grouse’s tail