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Armored Birds
Topic Started: Jul 16 2011, 02:32 PM (551 Views)
Scrublord
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You probably know this, but in The Nw Dinosaurs there's a dinosaur called the Pangoloon whose feathers have fused back into scales that cover its back like a shell. Now I now that Dixon's work isn't exactly the most credible, but that exactly why I'm asking this. Basically, could birds (or other feathered theropods) ever "re-evolve" scales or scutes from their feathers, like a pangolin?
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lamna
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Hmm, perhaps. Cassowaries have long quills that apparently are used to push through the forest.

I think the King of Saxony Bird-of-paradise has plate like plumes, but I'd need a really good photo or to get my hands on one to me sure.

They are not evolving on a flying bird though, that's for sure.
Edited by lamna, Jul 16 2011, 03:00 PM.
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Scrublord
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The King of Saxony bird of paradise--you are correct--does have hardened "plates" that are modified feathers. They're the blue streamers that stick out of the top of its head. I was more wondering if we could ever see an avian rattleback one day.
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lamna
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Well, while the details elude me, I know what some birds do make noise mechanically by flapping a certain way, so it does not seem impossible.
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Carlos
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Screamers also have horns, which are derived from modified quills.

Spec used to have flightless, armoured "parrots" from New Zealand, which I guess are still there
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lamna
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It's probably going to be something that is pushing it's way through the forest floor if it's armoured.
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