23 Peacock Wing feathers Inner wing feathers smooth the flow of air over the bird’s wing. Outer wing feathers are the strongest feathers in a bird’s plumage and provide power for flight. Wing feathers are collectively called remiges. Flamingo Macaw Grouse Guinea fowl Macaw Gull Macaw Gull TurkeyParakeet Aricara Lesser spotted woodpecker Crimson rosella Crimson rosella Oriole Roxie Laybourne US ornithologist Roxie Laybourne (1910–2003) was known as the “feather detective” because she pioneered the technique of studying feathers to solve bird-related aeroplane accidents. Her work has helped the aviation industry improve air safety by identifying the birds that are most likely to collide with planes. EYEWITNESS Shaft of the wing feather