Microscopic identification of feathers and feather fragments of Palearctic birds

Using light microscopy, a method has been developed for the identification of feathers and feather fragments collected after collisions between birds and aircraft. Characters of the downy barbules of feathers are described for 22 orders of birds. The use of a key in combination with the macroscopic method of comparing feathers with bird skins in a museum collection results in identification to order or family level in 97% of the analysed bird strikes. Application of the method to other fields of biological research including taxonomy is discussed.