Abstract
The microscopic characteristics of downy barbules of feathers can assist with species
identification in forensic investigations, particularly when only minute fragments
remain. Using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we
characterised the feather morphology of 62 species of birds from 18 Orders
including representatives of all Orders found in Australia, except Sphenisciformes
(penguins). We demonstrate that with a few notable exceptions, Australian birds
display similar feather characteristics to their well-studied Northern hemisphere
relatives. We also show that the microscopic characteristics of downy barbules can
be used to differentiate these Orders. A more detailed investigation of 39 parrot
species revealed substantial similarities among the species, indicating that microscopic
characteristics could not differentiate among parrot species. However, there
were some features (barbule length and macroscopic features, i.e. colour), that may
provide clues as to the species of origin. Importantly, the microscopic feather
characteristics provide investigators with a simple, fast and cost effective mechanism
with which to test assertions about the potential species of origin. This may preclude
the requirement for further more expensive testing (such as DNA analysis) or direct
further testing towards a smaller, more targeted number of species, reducing the
amount and cost of testing required.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-25 |
Number of pages | 25 |
Journal | Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences |
Volume | 48 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 2015 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2016 |