Featherbase is an independent, non-profit working group bringing together German feather scientists and collectors worldwide to make bird-feather research accessible to the public. Its online library features feathers and specimens from more than 2,100 bird species, with thousands of images and extensive measurement data. Visitors can explore birds across many taxonomic groups, identify feathers, compare species, examine differences related to age or sex, and consult specimen information and statistics.

The collection helps explain how feathers’ shapes, colors, textures, and functions relate to birds’ lives, from long-distance migration to silent flight. Featherbase also provides educational and reference materials, including articles, links, and information about its team and collection. It collaborates with scientific and educational organizations by sharing images and data and contributing to joint work.

The project is funded by its contributors and has no commercial interests or administrative affiliation. Feather and skin collecting for the database is authorized by relevant authorities, with documented origins maintained for protected and CITES-listed species