A closer look at the ventral feathers of desert birds reveals complex coiled structures that absorb and trap water, allowing the Namaqua sand grouse to carry water within its wings.
male Namaqua grouse (Pterocles Namakua) make daily trips to watering holes in South Africa to dip their lower feathers in the water. A water-soaked bird, he flies 30 kilometers to a thirsty chick and sucks water from his father’s feathers. Researchers first discovered that these feathers have coiled filaments called twigs more than 50 years ago. But no one took a closer look.
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