So finding birds who actually have long tails required some care. Plus, not only did the feathers have to originate from the tail, but they had to be nearly as long as the bird’s body.

Shimmery. Spiky. Shaggy. Soft. Feathers are what make birds so alluring—but these photographs remind us that they also tell a story about the science of evolution.

#5 House Finch. The house finch is another bird species that lives in South Carolina all year. Small, black oil sunflower seeds in bird feeders are known to attract them. Adult males are rosy red ...

#5 House Finch. The house finch is another bird species that lives in South Carolina all year. Small, black oil sunflower seeds in bird feeders are known to attract them. Adult males are rosy red ...