Crest (bird)

Crest (bird)

The crest is a prominent feature exhibited by several bird and dinosaur species on their heads. Fleshy crests are called cockscombs; this article discusses feather crests.

Generally used for display purposes, crests can be fixed or erectile, depending on the species. For example, Cockatoos and cockatiels possess crests which may be raised or lowered at will. Their crests are used to communicate with fellow members of their species, or as a form of defence to frighten away other species that approach too closely.

The crest is made up of semiplume feathers: a long rachis with barbs on either side. These are plumulaceous feathers, meaning that they are soft and bendable. In birds, these semiplumes are common along the head, neck, and upper back, and may be used for buoyancy and sensing vibrations.

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  • crest´like´ — crest «krehst», noun, verb. –n. 1. a tuft or comb on the head of a bird or animal. 2. a) a decoration of plumes or feathers on the top of a helmet. b) the apex or cone of a helmet. c) = helmet. (Cf. ↑helmet) 3. a decoration at the top of a coat… …   Useful english dictionary

  • Crest — (kr[e^]st), n. [OF. creste, F. cr[^e]te, L. crista.] 1. A tuft, or other excrescence or natural ornament, growing on an animal s head; the comb of a cock; the swelling on the head of a serpent; the lengthened feathers of the crown or nape of bird …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Crest tile — Crest Crest (kr[e^]st), n. [OF. creste, F. cr[^e]te, L. crista.] 1. A tuft, or other excrescence or natural ornament, growing on an animal s head; the comb of a cock; the swelling on the head of a serpent; the lengthened feathers of the crown or… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • crest — ► NOUN 1) a comb or tuft of feathers, fur, or skin on the head of a bird or other animal. 2) a plume of feathers on a helmet. 3) the top of a ridge, wave, etc. 4) a distinctive heraldic device representing a family or corporate body. ► VERB 1)… …   English terms dictionary

  • crest|ed — «KREHS tihd», adjective. having a crest: »a crested bird, a crested shield …   Useful english dictionary

  • Crest (feathers) — Not to be confused with Backrest (disambiguation). The Cockatiel an example of a crested bird species The crest is a prominent feature exhibited by several bird and dinosaur species on their heads. Generally used for display purposes, crests can… …   Wikipedia

  • Crest (heraldry) — The word crest is often mistakenly applied to a coat of arms. For further information see Heraldry. For Japanese usage, see mon (badge). Shield Field Supporter Supporter …   Wikipedia

  • crest — 1. A ridge, especially a bony ridge. SEE ALSO: crista. 2. The ridge of the neck of a male animal, especially of a stallion or bull. 3. Feathers on the top of a bird s head, or fin rays on the top of a fish s head. SYN: crista [TA]. [L. crista] …   Medical dictionary

  • crest — I. noun Etymology: Middle English creste, from Anglo French, from Latin crista; probably akin to Latin crinis hair Date: 14th century 1. a. a showy tuft or process on the head of an animal and especially a bird see bird illustration b. the plume… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • CREST — Acronym for calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal motility disorders, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia. See C. syndrome. * * * calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal involvement, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia [syndrome]; Carotid… …   Medical dictionary

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